Mandatory evacuation for Alturas Fire burning in Security-Widefield lifted
EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- There was a mandatory evacuation notice issued to a neighborhood east of Hancock Expressway due to a fire in the area. The evacuation order has since been lifted.
Late Thursday night, the Colorado Springs Fire Department said the Alturas Fire was 15% contained, and burned 182 acres. Firefighters will remain on scene to patrol for any flare-ups and hotspots.
Just before 6 p.m., the Colorado Springs Fire Department said the fire started east of the 5000 block of Alturas Dr. The fire did not threaten any structures.
The El Paso County Sheriff's Office said a deputy's vehicle sparked the fire. A spokesperson for the department said there was a call for service for a suspicious vehicle at 3:17 p.m.
When the deputy arrived at the scene, they located the vehicle and proceeded to drive over a grassy area. While driving, the deputy got stuck and the catalytic converter under the vehicle caused the fire.
The EPCSO said his vehicle was engulfed in flames in "a matter of minutes." Due to the wind, the sheriff's office says the fire quickly spread.
Watch a press conference by fire officials. This update was provided just before 6 p.m.
At 3:56 p.m., the El Paso County Sheriff's Office issued a mandatory evacuation for south of Milton E Proby Pkwy, east of Hancock Express Way, north of Bradley Rd/Alturas Dr, & west of S Powers Blvd are under a mandatory evacuation.
South of Milton E Proby Pkwy, East of Hancock Express Way, North of Bradley Rd/Alturas Dr, & W of S Powers Blvd is under a Pre-Evac Notice due to a fire in the area of 5000 Alturas Dr. Prepare to evacuate should this notice become mandatory. Call 9-1-1 only if you are in danger. pic.twitter.com/HQ4VjblRuY
— EPCSheriff (@EPCSheriff) May 12, 2022
The EPCSO says the fire is in the area of 5000 Alturas Dr.
At 6:10 p.m., the City of Colorado Springs said an evacuation center has been set up for the fire at Calvary Chapel Eastside at 5070 Edison Ave.
At 7:10 p.m., officials announced the evacuation had been lifted.
The city is referring to this fire as the Alturas Fire.
The Colorado Springs Police Department reported at 4:15 p.m. that Powers Blvd. is closed north and southbound near Milton Proby Pkwy. People are asked to avoid the area.
The Colorado Springs Airport issued a shelter in place just after 5 p.m. for those inside the building.
At 6:24 p.m., the airport announced the shelter in place had been lifted and travelers were free to leave. There will be shuttle buses on the lower level to take travelers.
The airport asks people to not call regarding flights and instead to contact airlines directly to keep phone lines clear for emergency use.
ALERT: The airport is currently under a shelter in place. The building is not under evacuation at this time, however personnel is prepared to evacuate if needed.
— Colorado Springs Airport (@COSAirport) May 12, 2022
The El Paso County Sheriff's Office said all flights are canceled.
This is a developing story.
Editors note: The EPCSO initially said the Colorado Springs Airport was evacuated. As of 5:45 p.m., the airport was just under a shelter in place
