Hammer Fire in rural area southeast of Colorado Springs forces evacuations, school closures

UPDATE: Evacuation orders have been lifted in the Hammer Fire, county officials said on Thursday.

The Hammer Fire grew to 4,900 acres on the Eastern Plains overnight after forcing some evacuations on Wednesday evening.

The fire is burning east of Fountain and southeast of Colorado Springs in El Paso County. On Thursday morning, authorities said there were no changes to evacuation or pre-evacuation orders at that time, but Squirrel Creek Road had reopened. 

El Paso County officials said Hanover Jr/Sr High School was set up as an emergency shelter. That's located at 17050 South Peyton Highway. An evacuation center had initially been set up at the Hanover Community Church, but the church was no longer being used for that purpose by the end of the day.

A large animal shelter has also been set up at the Norris Penrose Event Center. Anyone needing help locating that center or with further questions about evacuating animals can call 719-722-6097.

The Hanover School District 28 announced late Wednesday that school will be closed for the whole district on Thursday due to the firefight.

Fire danger was high in southern Colorado on Wednesday and will be elevated once again on Thursday as wind gusts reach to as high as 30 to 40 mph.

A total of 20 agencies have responded to assist with the Hanover Fire. 

Several other wildfires started in the state during the day on Wednesday, including in Kit Carson County and in Grand County.