Rain, Air Drop Aid Containment of Teller County, CO, Wildfire
The Denver Post
(TNS)
The Highland Lakes wildfire burning on 166 acres near Cedar Mountain is now 60% contained, Teller County fire officials said Tuesday night.
The person-started Highland Lakes fire has destroyed at least one home and evacuated roughly 700 others, according to Teller County officials. No injuries have been reported.
The person who started the fire faces felony arson charges and the fire is under active criminal investigation, said Sheriff Jason Mikesell. No other details about the investigation were available Tuesday.
Mikesell said the Highland Lakes fire is one of the most aggressive he’s seen during his time as sheriff because it’s located in the middle of a subdivision, driven by strong winds and fueled by lots of grass from a wet spring. He said the flames quickly spread from the grasses to trees Monday.
Fire crews were working until midnight Monday to protect Teller County homes and establish containment lines, Mikesell said. In some cases, the fire burned right up to back doors as firefighters fought to protect homes.
Strong winds are still one of the main concerns for fire crews Tuesday night, Mikesell said. The area saw gusts up to 60 mph on Tuesday.
Pre-evacuation orders were lifted late Tuesday for Spring Valley, Aspen Moors, central Divide and other areas.
Residents in some mandatory evacuation zones may be able to return home Wednesday morning depending on fire behavior, Mikesell said.
Teller County officials declared a disaster emergency late Monday night and said Tuesday that state resources and more than 100 firefighters from nearly a dozen local agencies are battling the fire.
Air tankers, helicopters and bulldozers have all been sent to fight the flames and help build containment lines, Mikesell said.
Areas under mandatory evacuation include Cedar Mountain Road north to Golden Bell, Wayward Wind, Snowhill, Aspen Village, Broken Wheel, Alpine View, Beaver Lake Circle, Golden Bell Lane, Beaver Lake Place and Star View Trail, according to Teller County sheriff’s officials.
County Road 511 and County Road 51 are both closed between County Road 5 and County Road 512 for fire operations, sheriff’s officials said.
A shelter for people displaced by the fire is set up at Woodland Park Community Church, 800 Valley View Drive in Woodland Park.
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