Fire burning in Teller County forces mandatory evacuation, local disaster declared

TELLER COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- Crews are battling a reported fire in Teller County that has forced a mandatory evacuation.

At 4 p.m. the Board of County Commissioners declared a local disaster for a wildland fire, which is being referred to as the High Park Fire.

The Teller County Sheriff's Office confirmed they were aware of the fire around 4:30 p.m.

At 4:40 p.m., the sheriff's office said there was a mandatory evacuation for a fire at County Road 11, south of Bear Trap and Lakemoor.

Everyone in this area is asked to evacuate immediately. This order affects all of Lakemoor Subdivision and the area between County Rd. 11 and County Rd. 1.

The Teller County Sheriff's Office issued the evacuation map below:

Cripple Creek Ranches subdivision is now under pre-evacuation notice.

According to officials, smoke is visible from Woodland Park. People are asked to not call 911 unless it is an emergency.

Smoke from the fire can be seen across much of the Pikes Peak Area down into Pueblo.

Watch how Cripple Creek looks below:

This is a developing story. Click here for updates.