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Mandatory evacuation ordered for residents in northeast El Paso County due to fire

Picture of the fire from near Birdseye View, second perspective from Ramah
Elisabeth Huwe, Lauren McIntyre
Picture of the fire from near Birdseye View, second perspective from Ramah

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- The El Paso County Sheriff's Office issued a mandatory evacuation notice for residents in a rural area northeast of Colorado Springs Friday afternoon.

UPDATE: According to the Colorado Springs Fire Department, the Birdseye Fire began as a structure fire. From there, it moved to the treetops. However, aerial crews confirmed the fire eventually moved back to the ground. At 3:50 p.m. crews initiated an additional 1-mile radius on pre-evacuation.

One suffered minor injuries while battling the fire.

Crews will be out overnight. CSFD expects evacuees not to be able to return to their homes Friday night.

At 5:47 p.m., the sheriff's office confirmed the fire was 21.6 acres. Between 10 and 15 structures were threatened, one structure did burn.

The Patriot Learning Center at 11990 Swingline Road is open for all evacuated persons.

Earlier

Around 3:15 p.m., officials said the fire had reached the Elbert County line.

At 3:30 p.m., the El Paso County Sheriff confirmed the Birdseye Fire was 21 acres.

The notice was issued at 1:16 p.m. for residents near 19000 Birdseye View. The El Paso County Sheriff's Office says the evacuation area is two miles around Birdseye View.

It's not yet clear how large the fire is, but first responders reported that flames were moving north. First responders said at about 1:50 p.m. that winds were starting to pick up in speed.

Firefighters at the scene called for air resources, according to emergency dispatch traffic. Multiple brush trucks had arrived by 1:30 p.m.

Evacuation map as of 3:30 p.m.
Photo Courtesy of Bella Boe

At least one structure was destroyed by fire, according to first responders. We're trying to confirm if it was a residence or an outbuilding.

The El Paso County Emergency Coordination and Mutual Aid partners have been activated. Mutual Aid partners include Elbert County Sheriff's Office, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Calhan PD and Fire, State Patrol, Falcon FD, Cimarron Hills FD, Peyton FD, and Colorado Springs Fire Department.

Animals being evacuated are being taken to the El Paso County Fair and Events Complex in Calhan.

We're working on getting more information. Check back for updates.

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