‘Too close to home’ says Manitou Springs community during Incline Fire

MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Incline Fire started Thursday afternoon and continued to burn Friday, and neighbors in the area say they haven't taken their eyes off the mountain.

But they are hoping for the best.

Residents who live along Fairview and the 500-600 block of Ruxton Avenue are on pre-evacuation orders.

"It's a big deal here in the dry climate in the mountains, so having this situation so close to our home is really worrying for us," said Masha Selva Pirichita, who lives in Manitou Springs.

She, along with her neighbors, continues to monitor the progress of the fire. Kailee Hanson, who lives on Ruxton says she is prepared if the fire takes a wrong turn.

"We packed up last night, kind of packed up our cars with important things and we're prepared. We got a hotel room just in case and we're prepared to leave if we need to," she said.

Hanson moved to her home in Manitou a month ago and hasn't seen the destruction fires have brought the area over the years.

"Anytime you see a fire this close to town it's concerning, especially with what happened to the Waldo Canyon Fire 8 years ago, so very concerned," said Tim Tritsch, who lives on the east side of Manitou Springs.

He has also prepared himself in case there's an evacuation order.

"I get basic things lined up. Get some things I want to get in my car and got guitar cases last night, a little vault I put in my car just in case we had to evacuate," he said.

Although Waldo Canyon never reached Manitou Springs, it did get extremely close. Now the community is wondering if this fire will be put out before it reaches any homes.

"What's going to happen? How big is it going to get? Are we going to be OK?" Pirichita said.

Firefighters slowed the growth of the fire Friday.