Mandatory evacuation ordered for residents in northeast El Paso County due to fire
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.
UPDATE: 2 Miles around Birdseye Vw is under a Mandatory Evacuation Notice due to a fire in the area of 19000 Block of Birdseye View. Evacuate South Call 9-1-1 only if you are in immediate danger. Tune in to local media for updates. https://t.co/LwgHeUBYKk
— EPCSheriff (@EPCSheriff) October 8, 2021
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.
Mutual Aid partners have been activated. El Paso County Emergency Coordination has been activated due to a fire in North East of Colorado Springs, originated from 19000 block of Birdseye View. https://t.co/RrIMOvuBsP pic.twitter.com/DNuiiags97
— EPCSheriff (@EPCSheriff) October 8, 2021
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.