Highland Lakes Fire grows to 90 acres; Teller County Sheriff says 700 homes threatened
UPDATE: Officials provided multiple updates on the wildland fire burning near Divide Monday evening.
The Teller County Sheriff's Office (TCSO) said the fire has been named the Highland Lakes Fire. It has grown to 90 acres and is threatening 700 homes. One home has been lost so far, but no injuries have been reported.
Citizens should avoid County Road 5 as it is inaccessible, the TCSO said.
The sheriff also said the fire was human-caused, but added that as the investigation is ongoing, he would not elaborate further. However, when asked during the latest press briefing, he did say we "are dealing with criminal charges....."
Woodland Park Community Church will be used as an evacuation center.
Monday night, the TCSO also declared a Stage 3 Fire Ban. This means no slash burning, outdoor fires, outdoor cooking, outdoor smoking, outdoor welding, fireworks, model rockets, explosives, or recreational shooting. The sheriff's office did say hunters in backcountry areas away from the fire would be allowed to continue to hunt. It is currently second rifle season for both elk and deer.
The Woodland Park School District also announced Monday night that due to the fire, the Summit and Columbine campuses will be closed Tuesday. Secondary campus will operate remotely, and students are expected to log in for online learning. Families that are unable to access school online should notify their teacher, and their absence will be excused, the school district said.
Evacuation information can be found below.
DIVIDE, Colo. (KRDO) - The Teller County Sheriff's Office (TCSO) issued an evacuation order for those living near Beaver Lake Circle in Divide late Monday afternoon.
According to the TCSO, the order now includes the Highland Lakes Subdivision. Those living on Alpine View, Star View Trail, Beaver Lake Place, Beaver Lake Circle, and Golden Bell Lane due to a structure fire near Beaver Lake Circle are also under mandatory evacuation.
The evacuation order also includes east of Highland Lakes Subdivision. The closest major intersection is Cedar Mountain Road to Golden Bell, Everyone from County Road 51 to Golden Bell north and east to County Road 5 must evacuate.
Later Monday night, the TCSO also issued a pre-evacuation warning for County Road 5. This includes the Aspen Moor and Spring Valley subdivisions, County Road 51 on both sides from County Road 5 to County Road 512, County Road 5 South of County Road 51 on the west side only, to include Grandview Subdivision. County Rd 5 north of County Rd 51 on both sides up to Forest Service Road 357.
