Reports of meteor shower ground air tankers at Springer Fire

Fire retardant dropped on Springer Fire in Park County, Colo. June 17, 2012. Courtesy: John Dale

PARK COUNTY, Colo. — Firefighters battling the Springer Fire West of Colorado Springs in Park County were counting on more aerial support Thursday.

That’s after fire managers suspended air operations Wednesday for a very strange reason.

Air tankers were grounded for about 90 minutes after receiving reports of a meteor shower.

Although the reports were unconfirmed by the U.S. Forest Service, six planes stayed on the ground as a precaution.

The Springer Fire is 3.5 miles southwest of Lake George, which is west of Colorado Springs. It has burned 1,145 acres and was 39 percent contained Thursday.

Investigators say it was human-caused, possibly as a result of recreational shooting.

US forest Service, Park County Sheriff, FBI and ATF are working the ongoing investigation. A special tip line has been set up for any information relating to the investigation at 719-836-4117 or www.tipline@parkco.us.

Evacuations remain in effect for Echo Valley, Wagon Tongue, and Circle C Ranch. Residents of Beaver Valley Ranch and Beaver Valley Estates can return home. An evacuation center has been established at Woodland Park High School.

11-Mile Canyon Recreation Area remains closed.

Spring Fire map

Springer Fire updated information on InciWeb.org