UPDATE: Wildfire in eastern El Paso County now contained
A wildfire near Yoder that forced evacuations in eastern El Paso County was finally contained by about 5:40 p.m.
El Paso County spokesperson Dave Rose said firefighters had stopped the growth of the fire and began mopping up the remaining hotspots. Rose said 35 residents were impacted by the evacuations but no residential structures were lost.
Heavy smoke billowed from the area. Tri-County Fire Cheif Scott Markle said in total 1,070 acres burned. ( PHOTOS )
The area was reopened to residents at about 6:30 p.m.
Markle said agencies from all across the county showed up in one way or another to help fight the fire. The Colorado Springs Fire Department sent at least two trucks to the area to help contain the blaze.
Markle said the call came in around 3:20 p.m. Friday as a smoke investigation, but it was the wind that spread the fire.
“It’s hard you think you have an area out and it flares out and these dry conditions that we have it just moves really fast, it can move quicker than we can get a hold of it,” Markle said.
Crews will stay out overnight Friday to watch for any flare-ups.
El Paso County says Humane Society workers are standing by to help with any livestock or animal evacuations.
We’re working to get more information and will bring you updates as we get them.