Fossil Beds Fire in Teller County 90% contained, evacuation/pre-evacuation orders lifted
TELLER COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) - The mandatory evacuation order for the Palmer Village Subdivision has been lifted and the Fossil Beds Fire is nearly contained.
The latest update from officials said the fire is 90 percent contained after the area received significant precipitation. Forward progress on the ground and in the air has stopped as firefighters feel they have a good grasp on the blaze, according to the Forest Service.
The pre-evacuation warning for the Twin Rock Subdivision and the Paler Village Subdivision has been lifted, as has the pre-evacuation order for the Druid Hills Subdivision.
The evacuation order for Near Manchester Place has also been lifted, according to the Teller County Sheriff's Office.
The mandatory evacuation was issued at 1:50 p.m.
The Twin Rock Subdivision and Druid Hills Subdivisions were also under pre-evacuation status.
Officials said the fire is burning near Manchester Pl. and County Road 42.
The fire has been dubbed the Fossil Beds Fire. According to the TCSO, the Fossil Beds Fire is burning on the east side of the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument.
According to the Forest Service, the fire was started Wednesday afternoon by a lightning strike.
As of 3:34 p.m., the fire is 14 acres.
The eastern side of the park, the east side of Teller Co. Rd. 1, and north of Twins Rock Rd. - including the Barksdale Picnic area - remains closed.
There are multi-mission aircraft in the area.
People are asked to avoid parking along lower Twin Rocks Road.
The Teller County Sheriff's Office shared photos of the fire at 1:16 p.m.
Previous Reporting:
At 12:51 p.m., a pre-evacuation warning was issued for the Twin Rock Subdivision and Palmer Village Subdivision.
At 1:16 p.m., a pre-evacuation warning was issued for Druid Hills Subdivision.
According to the Teller County Sheriff's Office, the fire is burning near the area of Manchester Dr. and Lower Twin Rock Rd. (CO Rd. 42).
People in these subdivisions are asked to be prepared to leave.
If you're in immediate danger, leave immediately. If you need extra time or help to evacuate, consider leaving now.
The Colorado Springs Trail Conditions shared these photos with KRDO
This is a developing story.
