Oct 29, 2024
Watch the full press conference in the video player above. The Sheriff's Office is expected to give another update at Noon on Tuesday, which FOX21 News will live stream in the video player above. UPDATE: TUESDAY 10/29/2024 10:32 a.m. (TELLER COUNTY, Colo.) — Sheriff Jason Mikesell of the Teller County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) gave an update on the Highland Lake Fire on Tuesday morning, Oct. 29, and said the wildland fire remains at 98 acres and is 5% contained. Several evacuations remain in place, and according to Sheriff Mikesell, winds in the area could reach up to 55 mph on Tuesday. Several resources, including state and local agencies, are aiding in the firefight. "It's a dangerous fire and we are treating it as such," said Sheriff Mikesell. Latest evac and pre-evac map: Courtesy: TCSO On Tuesday morning, airdrops took place over the fire, and hand crews continued to work on containment efforts. Sheriff Mikesell said he expects to see growth on the fire today due to the forecasted weather conditions, but added that fire crews are being very aggressive in getting a handle on the flames. >>MORE INFO: What Highland Lake Fire evacuees need to know 700 homes remain evacuated, and fire crews worked overnight to try and protect houses in the area. Sheriff Mikesell said there have been no additional losses of structures aside from the one initial loss, which was human-caused and is under investigation. "Investigators are searching the area and doing crime scene-type things," Sheriff Mikesell said. "We are treating this as a criminal act." ORIGINAL STORY: Highland Lake Fire grows to 98 acres overnight TUESDAY 10/29/2024 8:39 a.m. The Teller County Sheriff's Office (TCSO) said overnight Tuesday, Oct. 29 the fire expanded to 98 acres, but so far no additional structures have been damaged and no additional people have been injured. TCSO is planning to hold a briefing at 10 a.m. on Tuesday providing an update on the conditions of the fire. >>PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Highland Lake fire evacs, Stage 3 fire ban enacted Additional firefighting and emergency agencies arrived on the scene overnight and more state resources are on the way according to TCSO. The Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) said it had sent two brush trucks, a strike team leader, and Wildland Four to assist and they arrived at 6 a.m. Tuesday. Pueblo County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) sent two trucks, the Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator Chris Harner, and several firefighters to assist. Courtesy: Pueblo County Sheriff's Office On Monday, Oct. 28 at around 5 p.m. TCSO issued an evacuation order near Beaver Lake Circle and Blue Mesa Drive due to a structure fire. By around 7 a.m. the fire had grown to 90 acres and became known as the Highland Lake Fire and multiple neighborhoods in the area were evacuated. The TCSO is urging evacuees to follow deputies' instructions in affected areas to allow efficient movement for firefighters and is asking the public to avoid the area. Governor Jared Polis approved additional state resources including aircraft to make air drops on Tuesday morning ahead of expected wind conditions, according to Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell. The American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming Region said an evacuation center has been opened at the Woodland Park Community Church located at 800 Valley View Drive. Teller County Regional Animal Shelter (TCRAS) is accepting small animals and the Teller County Fairgrounds located at 500 West Carr Avenue in Cripple Creek is accepting large animals. The American Red Cross has additional information for wildfire safety on its website. Sheriff Mikesell said the initial structure lost was human-caused and is under investigation for possible criminal charges.
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