Diners Watch Colorado's East Troublesome Fire Build From Winter Park Bistro

The Grand County Sheriff’s Office issued a mandatory evacuation order on October 21 as the East Troublesome fire crossed Colorado Highway 125.

“The Grand County Sheriff has issued a mandatory evacuation order for all areas west of Highway 34, due the growth and close proximity of the East Troublesome Fire. GO SOUTH ON HWY 34,” the Grand County Office of Emergency Management wrote in a tweet.

Local media reported the fire was driven by strong winds, with gusts of about 35 mph expected.

The blazes produced huge columns of dark smoke, which could be seen for miles.

This time lapse, shot by Kathryn Bierbaum, shows diners at a bistro in Winter Park as a churning wall of thick smoke billows in the background.

Bierbaum, who was having dinner with friends, told Storyful she was “praying for safety of our community, the firefighters, and all helping in this challenging time.” Credit: Kathryn Bierbaum via Storyful