You can watch the full 5 p.m. press briefing in the video player above. UPDATE: TUESDAY 10/29/2024 5:14 p.m. (TELLER COUNTY, Colo.) — The Highland Lake fire is now 60% contained and some pre-evacuations have been lifted. During a press briefing at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell said he is feeling much more confident with the progress made on the fire throughout the day. While fuels are still dry and winds are not helping, Mikesell said bulldozing efforts on Monday night helped clear a lot of fuels and slow the progression of the fire. Mikesell said pre-evacuations have been lifted for Spring Valley, Aspen Moores, central Divide, and all others that were identified in yellow on the previous evacuation map, which you can find below: Courtesy: TCSO Sheriff Mikesell said he is hopeful that some people in the mandatory evacuation zone, including Aspen Village, Broken Wheel, and Highland Lakes, can begin gradual re-entry on Wednesday, but that is dependent on the weather and fire activity overnight. Some people were able to get back in to evacuated zones on Tuesday for necessities and medications, however Mikesell said no more people would be allowed back in likely until Wednesday when/if evacuations are lifted. The fire remains at 166 acres, however no aerial views have been obtained due to the high winds keeping flights grounded. Sheriff Mikesell said the wind whipping through the mountainous area has been dispersing the smoke, though fire activity is still present. Mikesell said no other updates will be provided on Tuesday, barring any breaking changes to the fire activity. WATCH: Highland Lake Fire now at 166 acres UPDATE: TUESDAY 10/29/2024 1:49 p.m. The Highland Lake fire has grown to 166 acres and currently stands at 15% containment according to Teller County Sherriff Mikesell. State and fire officials gave an update on the Highland Lake Fire on Tuesday, Oct. 29 at 1 p.m. where they confirmed the fire has grown due to work fire crews performed on Monday night to keep it away from homes. "Most of that growth that you are seeing is us actually backburning to keep the fire in a management area," Sheriff Mikesell explained. "That helps us keep the black between us and where the active fire is." Sheriff Mikesell added the area is sustaining 50+ mph wind gusts. The Sheriff said they are currently not letting individuals back into their homes as a safety measure due to the high winds, as they can quickly drive a fire. "Just trying to get out of the car is not easy right now with the wind gusts and really what's happening which is driving the smoke, it's hard to breathe, there's just a lot going out there," Sheriff Miksell said. "Hats off to these fire guys if they hadn't done the backburns, the bulldozer lines, and the things that were done it would have been a different story today." The fire is being described as "aggressive," said Sheriff Mikesell, due to the high winds and it has the potential of growing rapidly in the subdivision. The Sheriff added that their response is also aggressive by putting so many hands on a fire like this so quickly. The Sheriff emphasized fire crews made headway in the fire before the aircraft had to be pulled out of the area due to wind. "I want people to know that the fire agencies that are involved and all the first responders are doing unbelievable work out there to make sure we don't lose any more structures and that we are able to get people back in as soon as possible. Those who are in pre-evacuation areas are encouraged to be ready to leave in case anything changes. As of 1 p.m., no new evacuations have been ordered and pre-evacuations remain in place for 160 people with about $300 million in property assets. Mikesell said the investigation is still in its initial stages and the Sheriff's Office will release more information when it becomes available. UPDATE: TUESDAY 10/29/2024 10:32 a.m. 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.