Oct 29, 2024
(SOUTHERN COLORADO)—Firefighters are deploying a rapid and robust strategy to keep the Highland Lake Fire under control. However, as windy conditions pick up across the mountains, fire crews may have a difficult time battling against it. On Monday afternoon, Oct. 28, a fire ignited in Divide, north of Highway 24. Since then, the fire has grown to 98 acres and is currently at 5% containment. WATCH: Tuesday press conference on Highland Lake Fire "They made great progress last night from what I understand but that doesn't mean that with the winds popping up later today the fire couldn't stand back up and run," said SOCO Wildland Fire Team Assistant Superintendent Isaac Brisk. The National Weather Service (NWS) is forecasting windy conditions to begin around noon on Tuesday, Oct. 29. NWS said conditions in the area will remain dry, with gusty southwest winds through most of the day. Some localized wind gusts expected will be up to 55 mph, with some gusts across the plains that could be as high as 60 mph. Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell said the area where the fire is located may experience sustained winds of 55 mph. Courtesy: National Weather Service Pueblo. Due to fire conditions, dry weather, and winds, the Highland Lake Fire is being described as a very "aggressive" fire. Sheriff Mikesell said due to the low humidity, and grown grasses the fire can move quickly. “It’s a dangerous fire and we are treating it as such,” said Sheriff Mikesell. What Highland Lake Fire evacuees need to know NWS warned the community of fire weather conditions and is urging individuals to avoid any activities that could start a wildfire. As of Tuesday morning, the NWS has issued a Red Flag Warning for the Southern Plains, and state officials are urging people to comply with any fire bans that are in place. "Please be safe, don't throw your cigarette butts out the window, don't drag chains off your trailers, just make smart decisions," said Brisk. "It is so dry, it could take just the smallest spark to have a huge fire in no time with the winds this afternoon." Donations for firefighters accepted at TCSO Teller County is now in a Stage 3 burn ban, which prohibits any outdoor fires, slash burning, recreational shooting, and more. El Paso County is also under burning restrictions.
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