High Park Fire in Teller County now 70% contained; County to receive funding from emergency declaration

TELLER COUNTY, Colo.(KRDO)-- The High Park Fire in Teller County has reached 1,572 acres in size but is now 70% contained. At the last update, the fire was just 27% contained. The news, which was shared by officials at a town hall at Cripple Creek- Victor High School on Tuesday, received large applause from the 75+ people in attendance.

Still, there is no change to pre-evacuation and evacuation orders, according to Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell.

On Monday, the Teller County Board of Commissioners requested the state and Governor Jared Polis, declare a statewide wildfire emergency.

Those wishes have apparently been granted. Teller County Commissioner Dan Williams told KRDO that the county now has a handshake agreement with Governor Polis’ office for the emergency declaration.

The declaration will provide key funding for battling the High Park Fire, as well as future fires this summer. Williams said the High Park Fire has forced them to use half of their annual fire budget, just for the High Park Fire alone. Williams told KRDO that as part of the declaration, the state will now cover all firefighting expenses after the first 24 hours.