Fire threat prompts evacuation order for some Colorado homes in Douglas County
UPDATE: In an afternoon news conference fire officials provided the latest updates on the wildfire. Before sunset they announced that the fire was contained and evacuations were lifted.
A fire threat in Colorado has prompted an evacuation order for some homes in Douglas County on Tuesday afternoon. Strong winds have been reported in the area by fire crews and they said the "constantly shifting" winds are making it difficult to fight the fire.
The evacuation order was issued by the Douglas County Sheriff's Office from Lake Gulch to Greenland and Dahlberg to Highway 83.
Franktown Fire posted the evacuation order on X about 1:18 p.m. Crews described the grass fire as having burned about 500 acres in "light flashy fuels." Crews said the fire appeared to be moving to the southeast at 2:17 p.m. but could change direction at a moment's notice.
An evacuation center has been established at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. According to Douglas County, animals must stay in trailers and vehicles.
Monument Fire posted on X that smoke from the fire was visible from Monument.
According to Franktown Fire, the Office of Emergency Management ordered air resources to help fight the fire. That included airplanes dropping fire retardant on the fire.
There are road closures in the area surrounding the evacuation zone and the public is urged to avoid the area to allow firefighting resources to take priority.
According to First Alert Meteorologist Dave Aguilera, Tuesday tied the record high of 71 degrees at Denver International Airport. That high temp for Feb. 24 was set in 1995.
Tuesday was declared a First Alert Weather Day by the CBS Colorado First Alert meteorologists due to the high wind warning and unseasonably warm temperatures that contributed to the high fire danger across parts of Colorado.
