UPDATE: Incline Fire above Manitou Springs burned about 1 acre so far
MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Fire and law enforcement officials gave an update on the Incline Fire that's burning near Manitou Springs and provided a new size of the fire.
Watch a replay of the noon update below:
The fire was still 0% contained as of noon Friday, according to authorities. Manitou Springs officials later reported that due to more precise mapping from the air and on the ground, the size of the fire is only one acre -- less than the three to five acres initially thought.
"But all it takes is a gust of wind and a few embers to get it going," said Dawn Sanchez, a spokesperson with the U.S. Forest Service. "Fortunately, that area is somewhat sheltered by the wind. That really helped us overnight and looks like it's helping us again today."
Fire crews are focused on extinguishing hot spots, and a 1,200-foot hose is feeding water from Ruxton Creek to the area where crews are working.
"It's a lot easier when we don't have to haul water up here," Sanchez said. "And with the creek nearby, we don't need aerial water drops."
Sanchez authorities will announce a containment figure when it's determined that fire lines dug around the fire's perimeter are holding.
She said 35 firefighters from five agencies have responded to the fire.
A suspect was being sought for suspected arson, according to a post by the El Paso County Sheriff's Office on Thursday, but the exact origin of the fire hasn't been determined yet. The person was described as a white man in his 40s. Colorado Springs Police Cmdr. Jeff Strossner said it's not clear if that person is still wanted as a suspect.
The Colorado Springs Police Department began investigating the case, but the Regional Explosives Unit is the lead investigative agency.
If you have any information about the suspect., call authorities at 719-520-6666.
The Incline and Barr Trail are closed, and officials urged hikers to stay away from the area.
"Just this morning we found people hiking up there," said Sanchez.
The pre-evacuation notice that was issued for several neighborhoods in Manitou Springs was lifted at about 5:20 p.m. Friday, according to the El Paso County Sheriff's Office.
Another update is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. Friday.
