Officials update progress on containing wildfires in southern Colorado
Work continues Saturday to contain two wildfires in southern Colorado near Fort Carson and San Luis.
24 Fire on Fort Carson
Control lines held through the night, according to a statement by a Fort Carson Official on Saturday morning.
As of 5 p.m, the Fremont County Sheriff's Office said the fire has grown to 1923 acres. An update on the percent containment has not yet been provided. The FCSO said heavy firefighting operations resumed this morning.
Just after 6 p.m., the El Paso County Sheriff's Office issued a pre-evacuation warning for residents near Highway 115 and Sandy Creek Ranch HTS. They urged residents in the area to be ready to leave and asked anyone who needs extra time or help to evacuate to consider leaving now.
Pikes Peak Office of Emergency Management announced that a large animal shelter has been set up at the Pathfinder Park Event Center for those affected by the fire.
In Fremont County, the FCSO said there have been no changes to evacuation and pre-evacuation areas since last night. An evacuation center has been set up at Pathfinder Park in Florence.
Highway 115 remains closed at K Street. FCSO said the fire has not jumped to the west side of the highway.
Chama Canyon Fire east of San Luis
According to the Costilla County Office of Emergency Management, the Chama Canyon Fire is now 141 acres and is 50% contained. They said the fire showed minimal growth overnight, and crews on the ground have made significant progress on the heel and right flank, establishing a dozer line.
Firefighters continue to receive support from aviation resources, including single-engine and large air tankers and helicopters.
A mandatory evacuation order remains in place for residents along County Road L.7 and County Road N.2.
Costilla County Sheriff Danny Sanchez announced the county is under stage one fire restrictions as of Saturday afternoon. He said the restrictions will not be lifted until the area receives some substantial moisture.
According to the U.S. National Weather Service in Pueblo, gusty winds and low humidity levels will continue across much of the region on Saturday. Record-high temperatures and dry fuels are creating critical fire weather conditions, and any fires that spark will grow rapidly.
