Live Blog: hit refresh for updates
View official Waldo Canyon Fire updates on InciWeb
July 5 9:17am:
- The fire remains at 18,237 acres with 90-percent containment, with crews hopeful they can achieve 100-percent containment by Friday.
- A $50,000 reward will be issued for any information that leads to the arrests of suspects who may have committed crimes inside the burn zones. That reward will be coming from an anonymous donor.
- The point of origin of the fire has been located but there is still no confirmed cause. The investigation for one continues.
- The crew at the scene is downgrading from a Type 1 response team to a Type 3 response team.
July 4 6:40pm: Fire is 90 percent contained. Full containment expected Friday. Number of personnel drops significantly. 776 personnel on scene Wednesday night.
July 4 4:30pm: All Mountain Shadows residents who reside on the following streets may return home today, July 4, 2012 at 5:00 PM.
· Ashton Park Place
· Chambrey Court
· Charing Curt
· Chase Point Circle
· Darien Way
· Green Valley Heights
· Huffman Court
· Kirby Court
· Regal View Court
· Regal View Road
· Rossmere Street between Ashton Park Place and Courtney Drive (2305-2395)
· Twin Harbor Heights
· Vanreen Drive
· Vantage Ridge Court
· Vantage Vista Drive
· Via Verona View
· Wilson Road between Champagne Drive and Flying W Ranch Road
· Wolf Ranch Road
The area still has considerable risk, with certain areas considered unsafe. Residents are advised to prepare for flash flooding in burn areas by staying alert to flash flood watches and warnings and avoiding low-lying areas and places that are known to flood. Residents should not cross streaming water.
Residents of the remaining evacuated areas will have access to the area on Thursday, July 5 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the primary purpose of allowing insurance representatives to assess property.
July 4 11:06am:
- The fire is now 80-percent contained, as crews got some help from some rain overnight on Tuesday.
- The new estimated containment date is July 8 with 18,247 acres burned.
- Currently, State Farm Insurance has received over 350 claims as a direct result of damages caused by the fire. That figure is fluid and expected to rise.
- Natural gas has been restored to 2,400 homes.
- Calm winds Wednesday morning are providing good conditions to fight the fire.
July 3 8:24am:
- C-130 aircraft will resume operations today.
- The fire is still 70-percent contained with 17,920 acres burned. There have been five minor injuries reported.
- More evacuations will be lifted Tuesday at 6 p.m. for about 500 homes. The primary area those evacuees are being allowed to return to is south of Champagne.
- Insurance agents will begin assessing the hundreds of homes damaged or lost on Thursday. Residents can meet with them from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- All voluntary evacuations have been lifted for Manitou Springs.
- Mayor Marc Snyder of Manitou Springs: “I am pleased to share that our business and attractions are returning to their normal operations”
- The fire is now 100 percent contained as it relates to the city of Colorado Springs.
- The city of Colorado Springs and the county of El Paso are still under a fire ban.
- About 1,050 customers in the areas of Oak Valley Ranch, Peregrine and parts of Mountain shadows have had utilities restored.
- 3,000-plus customers are expected to have utilities by the end of Wednesday.
- 1,200 customers are still evacuated due to sever damage to utilities. Some of those residents may have to remain evacuated for another week due to that damage.
- The fire is in “really good shape” on the South, East and West flanks
- The “only area of concern” now is the northern part of the fire near Monument Creek.
- Rain is expect in the forecast for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
July 2 7:45pm: Fire managers say they have achieved 70 percent containment. They anticipate full containment by Wed. July 11. The fire has grown to 17,920 acres. There are 1,523 personnel on scene.
July 2 8:45am:
- Crews are working to restore utilities through the July 4 weekend. That process will start today
- Restoring utilities to Mountain Shadows will take much longer — potentially weeks.
- The focus Monday is to develop a plan for getting Mountain Shadows residents back in their homes quicker — possibly today.
- All owners of destroyed homes will not have to pay utility bills. Other affected by the fire will have their bills adjusted.
- There are no new developments as far as the fire’s statistics. It’s still at 17,827 acres, 55-percent containment and over 1,500 firefighters are on scene battling the blaze.
- About 3,000 remain evacuated
- Looting is a big issue. District Attorney Dan May warns possible offenders: “You better get prepared also. Pack your bags. We intend to evacuate you from our community.” Offenders would be charged with burglary with a maximum sentence of 24 years.
- The focus of firefighting efforts remains containment. The first hasn’t grown, so the process is going well at the moment.
- An investigation team is on the ground to explore the fire’s cause. There was no update on their progress as of 8 a.m. Monday.
- Thunderstorms and erratic winds could cause problems in the burn area today. With that being the case, the residents who have been allowed to return home should remain vigilant and be prepared to possibly evacuate again.
July 1 10:45pm: Video: In-depth Coverage — Residents tour burned homes, crews make progress
July 1 8:25pm: The following areas opened at 8PM: Oak Valley Ranch, Pinon Valley, Peregrine, Grand Centennial Apartments.
Centennial Boulevard re-opened at 8 p.m.
All of the areas that open at 8PM will remain under a pre-evacation notice. Stay alert, Stay informed, Stay safe.
Mountain Shadows (south of Wolfe Ranch Rd. & west of Flying W Ranch Rd to 30th St.) remains under mandatory evacuation status.
July 1 8:15pm: All of the areas that opened at 8PM will remain under a pre-evacation notice. Stay alert, Stay informed, Stay safe.
July 1 6:30pm: Video: In-depth coverage: residents return to burned homes
July 1 6:20pm: Video: Behind the scenes with the Salvation Army
July 1 6:03pm: Waldo Canyon Fire now 55% contained; 17,827 acres burned.
July 1 3:30pm: Correction: Per the El Paso Sheriff’s Office: evacuations for LOY Creek Road have been lifted.
July 1 3:17pm: Per the El Paso Sheriff’s Office: evacuations for LLoyd Creek Road have been lifted.
July 1 3:15pm: Joint Information Center Phone Numbers: (719) 520-7058 (720) 202-4510 (710) 402-7935 (720) 237-3417 (720) 237-9947
July 1 2:30pm: See the new map which reflects areas still under mandatory evacuation. If you area is not shaded, you will be under pre-evacuation notice at 8 p.m. tonight (July 1) and may return home.
July 1 2:25pm: The following areas will open at 8PM: Oak Valley Ranch, Pinon Valley, Peregrine, Grand Centennial Apartments.
Centennial Boulevard will also re-open at 8 p.m.
All of the areas that open at 8PM will remain under a pre-evacation notice. Stay alert, Stay informed, Stay safe.
Mountain Shadows (south of Wolfe Ranch Rd. & west of Flying W Ranch Rd to 30th St.) remains under mandatory evacuation status.
July 1 1:45pm: From the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross is concerned for your safety and well being as you return home after a wildfire. Personal safety is top priority, as hazards may still exist, including hot spots, which can flare up without warning. Visually check the stability of the trees as they may have been weakened by fire. Wear leather gloves and heavy soled shoes to protect hands and feet when walking in a disaster area. Follow public health guidance on safe cleanup of fire ash and safe use of masks. Hazardous materials such as kitchen and bathroom cleaning products, paint, batteries, and damaged fuel containers need to be properly handled to avoid risk. Check with local authorities for hazardous disposal assistance. Carefully watch your animals to ensure their safety as they walk in disaster areas. Watch for wild animals, especially bears, when dumping old food. For more safety information, visit redcross.org.
Shelters Open:
Waldo Canyon Fire –
o Cheyenne Mountain High School – 1200 Cresta Road – Colorado Springs, CO
o YMCA Southeast Family Center – 2190 Jet Wing Drive – Colorado Springs, CO
Shelters Closing July 2 –
o Summit Elementary School – 490 Meadow Park Drive – Divide, CO
o Lewis Palmer High School – 1300 Higby Road – Monument, CO
o Cripple Creek High School – 410 N. B St, Cripple Creek, CO
Shelters are closing due to the diminished need after evacuation notices lifted this morning.
July 1 1:22pm: The two large interior islands west of the U.S. Air Force Academy continue to be consumed and produce large smoke columns. Thunderstorms and weather fronts around the fire area continue to hamper suppression efforts. There is continued success along the western flank with direct line construction and burn-outs. Line between Divisions C and D on the western perimeter were tied in today, but spotting may still be possible. The spots north of Rampart Reservoir are fully lined; mop-up continues. Aircraft are being used to keep the north flank of the fire south of Monument Canyon. Evacuations for Woodland Park were lifted at 4 p.m. today.
July 1 12:45pm: Per CDOT–Open: US 24 between Manitou Springs and Woodland Park (Waldo Cyn fire area) go to cotrip.org or call 511
July 1 9:45am:
EL PASO COUNTY SHERIFF TERRY MAKETA LIFTS MANDATORY EVACUATIONS FOR CASCADE, CHIPITA PARK, CRYSTOLA AND GREEN MOUNTAIN FALLS
In an effort to balance the safety of El Paso County Citizens, fire fighters and minimize the impact of the Waldo Canyon Fire, El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa has worked diligently with Incident Commander Rich Harvey and provides the following guidance.
Ø Effective July 1, 2012, the mandatory evacuations for the communities of Cascade, Chipita Park, Crystola and Green Mountain Falls are lifted and residents may return to the area.
Ø Highway 24 will open for both eastbound and westbound traffic for residents of these communities from 9:00AM to 1:00 P M. Traffic on Highway 24 will remain restricted for the use of residents for this time period. Proof of residency will be verified prior to entry. A road closure will be in place at Pyramid Mountain and Severy Avenue but the closure will not affect residents.
Ø Highway 24 will be opened for normal traffic beginning at 1:00 PM. Access to the Cave of the Winds and the Cliff Dwellings will remain closed. Waldo Canyon trails will be closed and inaccessible to the public.
Ø Highway 24 will operate under reduced speeds and motorists should be aware of firefighters in the area.
Ø Travelers of Highway 24 are advised periodic closures of the right westbound lane will occur to allow the safe and expedient travel of fire fighters and equipment.
Ø Law enforcement will be present to help ensure the orderly and safe re-entry and usage of Highway 24.
Ø Residents with special needs that require assistance or transportation may call 719-575-8414.
June 30 11:10pm: Video: Waldo Canyon Fire evacuees return home
June 30 11:00pm: Video: In-depth coverage of the Waldo Canyon Fire
June 30 7:11pm: Evening update: 17,659 acres burned, 45% contained. Officials confirm 22 home burglaries have been reported within the evacuation zone. Security has been increased in the area.
June 30 5:45pm: Mountain Shadows evacuees can visit their homes on Sunday, July 1
Check-in from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Photo i.d. and proof of residency (e.g., lease, management contact, utility bill, etc.) is required.
- Check-in locations are:
- North Division (North of Chuckwagon Road / South of Wolfe Ranch and South of Flying W Ranch Road / West of Centennial Boulevard) will check in at Eagle View Middle School at 1325 Vindicator Drive.
- South Division (South of Chuckwagon Road / North of 30th Street / West of Centennial Boulevard) will check in at the Verizon building (old MCI facility) at 2424 Garden of the Gods Road.
June 30 5:40pm: Disaster Recovery Center info: Food donations cannot be received at the DRC. Call 719-444-8300 for more donation info.
June 30 4:55pm: Costs associated with Waldo Canyon Fire estimated at $8.8 million to date.
June 30 4:47pm: If you have any questions regarding the change in the Teller County evacuation zones please call 719-687-8812
New Information: The primary contact number to reach the Disaster Recovery Center is 719-444-8300.
June 30 4:45pm: Fire now 45% contained, full containment expected by July 16. Fire showed no growth today. Burned acreage remains at 17,073.
Mountain Shadow residents can return to their homes Sunday between 10am and 6pm to survey damage. Residents can check in beginning at 8am–must have ID and proof of residency.
June 30 2:47pm:
Disaster Recovery Center
The Disaster Recovery Center (open as of Saturday, June 30) will bring together the resources of multiple non-profit and governmental agencies offering assistance to all El Paso County residents impacted by the Waldo Canyon fire., with operational hours of 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., 7 days per week until further notice.
Red Cross Shelters
Cheyenne Mountain High School (1200 Cresta Road, Colorado Springs, CO)
Southeast YMCA (2190 Jet Wing Drive, Colorado Springs, CO)
Lewis Palmer High School (1300 Higby, Monument, CO 80132)
June 30 2:45pm: Total acreage burned is 17,073 as of Saturday afternoon. 346 homes destroyed, 24 damaged.
June 30 9am: Containment improves to 30%. National Guard members are being deputized for law enforcement so police and El Paso Co. deputies can resume normal duties.
June 30 8am: The Salvation Army is still serving meals, snacks and drinks from shelter sites, mobile kitchens, on the fire lines, at the Emergency Operations Center and in neighborhoods where families are being allowed to return.
The Salvation Army is on site at the following shelters:
-Cheyenne Mountain High School in Colorado Springs
-YMCA on Jetwing in Colorado Springs
-Cripple Creek High School in Cripple Creek
-Lewis Palmer High School in Monument
In addition, The Salvation Army is also providing the following:
-Meal service for the shelter operation in Divide, when needed
-Three meals a day for 1,000 fire fighters and Hot Shot teams at Station 9, near Garden of the Gods
-Lunch and dinner for 300 at the El Paso County Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
-Beginning Saturday, June 30, snacks, water and Gatorade for fire fighters on the fire lines
-Snack and drink service for the families that are being allowed back into their homes
June 29 9:40pm: Waldo Canyon Fire In-depth coverage here
June 29 8:50pm: Fire now estimated at 17,073 acres. Minimal growth since yesterday. More than 1,200 firefighters on-scene
June 29 8:30pm: Evacuation orders have been lifted for many residents of northwest Colorado Springs. map here
June 29 8:20pm: The City of Colorado Spring just released this list and this map of the homes lost/damaged in the Waldo Canyon Fire.
June 29 6:05pm: The initial bus trips to view properties will take place on Sunday and Monday, contingent upon continuing authorization from the Federal Incident Management Team. Sunday’s trips will include all neighborhoods south of Chuckwagon Road to 30thStreet and west of Centennial; Monday will include neighborhoods north of Chuckwagon Road to Denton Grove Road and west of Centennial. Each street will be assigned a specific time. A detailed schedule with the times and streets will be released tomorrow, along with information regarding accommodations for those with limited mobility. We respectfully ask that you refrain from calling with questions until this information has been publicized. MORE INFO
June 29 6:00pm: El Paso County Disaster Recovery Center to open 9am Saturday June 30. Info here
June 29 4:11pm: 2 people now confirmed dead at 2910 Rossmere St. Names of victims not yet released.
June 29 4:10pm: Colorado Springs Fire Rich Brown “81 percent of homes in the (Mountain Shadows) area were saved….I want us to try really hard to try and emphasize the positive that has happened from this event.”
June 29 4:00pm: Approximately 4,000 fire victims will tour the burn area on Sunday
June 29 3:00pm: President Obama has left Colorado. View the full text of his remarks on the Waldo Canyon Fire here.
June 2:20pm: President Obama addressed the media after touring the Waldo Canyon Fire devastation. Click here to watch a replay of his remarks
June 29 1:55pm: Astronauts aboard the International Space Station capture Colorado wildfires from space
June 29 1:24pm: Time lapse of the Waldo Canyon Fire from June 26-27
June 29 1:10pm: Interactive tour of the Mountain Shadows, Flying W Ranch burn area here
June 29 1:00pm: Colorado Springs police reporting a higher than normal number of vehicle break-ins at hotels in Colo. Springs; lock cars & don’t leave valuables in vehicles.
June 29 12:13pm: President Obama has arrived in Colorado Springs to tour the Waldo Canyon Fire area. Declares federal disaster area
June 29 9:45am: Evacuation orders lifted for Thunderbird and Pinecreek Estates, Commerce Drive north from east Woodmen to Pinecreek Drive.
June 29 9:30am: Beginning June 30th El Paso County will open a Disaster Recovery Center – 105 N. Spruce open 9am to 7pm www.elpasoco.com
June 29 9:25am: Pre-evacuation warnings for all of Douglas County have been cancelled.
June 29 8:55am: Updated fire perimeter map with yesterday’s growth
June 29 8:42am: Police say a second person is missing from the same home on Rossmere Street where the remains of one individual was found. Others are missing too.
June 29 7:30am: According to the most recent update, the Waldo Canyon Fire has burned 16,750 acres and is 15% contained. 347 structures destroyed. At the Air Force Academy, Academy Enlisted Dormitory residents were allowed to return to the dormitories as of 5 a.m. Friday.
June 28 11pm: One person confirmed dead, another missing. Authorities say a body was found at a home at 2910 Rossmere Street in Mountain Shadows.
June 28 10:32pm: The City (of Colorado Springs) intended to release a list of lost and damaged properties this evening for those who could not attend tonight’s homeowner briefing. In an effort to provide accurate information, the dissemination of this list is being delayed until mid-morning tomorrow. The list of impacted properties and a map will be posted to SpringsGov.com once available.
June 28 8:32pm: Size of the fire has been revised downward to 16,750 acres. Containment at 15%
June 28 8:28pm: See all of the high-res aerial photographs of the Waldo Canyon Fire damage in northwest Colorado Springs
June 28 7:45pm: Residents in these neighborhoods can return home at 8 p.m.
Southeast area of Rockrimmon including Golden Hills and Tammaron subdivisions (southeast of Woodmen Rd./Rockrimmon Blvd. to S. Rockrimmon)
Pine Cliff
Kissing Camels (East of 30th street from Gateway Road to Garden of the Gods Road)
Holland Park
Pleasant Valley
The apartment complex at Garden of the Gods Rd. and 30th Street.
All other areas remain under Mandatory Evacuation:
Cedar Heights
West of 30th Street from Gateway Road to Centennial
Pinon Valley
Mountain Shadows
Perregrine
Rockrimmon (northwest of Woodmen Rd./Rockrimmon Blvd. and Vindicator)
June 28 7:20pm: wildfiretees.com: 100% of proceeds benefit Colorado Wildfire Victims
June 28 6:50pm: Pair accused of burglarizing vacated home in the evacuation area. Story here
June 28 6:20pm: Some evacuation orders lifted for residents on the northeast side of the fire perimeter. Residents of Kissing Camels and Holland Park and lower Rockrimmon may return at 8 p.m.
June 28 5:27pm: Updated progression map of the Waldo Canyon Fire here
June 28 4:20pm: Colorado Springs Mayor Bach: “This community is going to mount an unprecedented response to this…to bring every possible resource available.”
June 28 4:10pm: Authorities confirmed Thursday at least 346 homes have been destroyed in the Waldo Canyon Fire, making it the most destructive wildfire in Colorado history.
June 28 3:14pm: A video posted on YouTube purportedly shows the early stages of the Waldo Canyon Fire as it erupted from just an acre or two, to hundreds of acres in a short period of time. Click here to watch
June 28 2:00pm: For those affected by structure damage, a public meeting is being planned for tonight at 6:00pm. Location and time to be confirmed at the 4:00pm media briefing. Meeting limited to those affected; not open to the general public, ID will be required. More details will be presented at the 4:00 Media briefing.
June 28 1:30pm: From incident commanders…On the East flank, the primary focus is on structure protection, improving existing line, fire control and mop-up. Firefighters will provide structure protection and initial attack along the eastern boundary of the fire. These activities and resources are being coordinated with the City of Colorado Springs and the Air Force Academy. All resources assigned within Colorado Springs City limits are under the direction of the Colorado Springs Fire Department. Structure protection will continue at Eagle Lake Camp. Firefighters are securing and holding the line from Rampart Reservoir south to Rampart Range Road. Crews will continue structure protection in Cedar Heights subdivision and construct line from the quarry north to the castle.
June 28 12:15pm: Officials might release information about the number of houses destroyed in the Waldo Canyon Fire Thursday afternoon. The information could be made available to residents in the form of list of address of homes destroyed, damaged and left untouched.
June 28 8:00am: Colorado Springs Mayor Steve Bach: “We now know that hundreds of homes have been destroyed.” More from news briefing:
- 1,200 firefighters on scene
- No change in evacuation orders, no new evacuations
- No loss of life or injuries reported on the fire lines or to residents
- 18,500 acres burned, 5 percent contained. More containment expected today
June 28 7:05am: For a 20-minute time lapse video of the flames burning early Thursday morning, click here. Press briefing scheduled for 8 a.m.
June 28 7:00am: Smoke and flames visible on northwest side of Colorado Springs.
June 28 5:30am: Report: Air Force Academy officials are relocating approximately 550 cadets off of Academy grounds. 10 acres burned on the southwest corner of Academy grounds.
June 27 9:30pm: Waldo Canyon Fire now estimated at 18,500 acres. 1000 firefighting personnel on scene. Containment still 5%
June 27 9:00pm: Several videos posted on YouTube show flames from the Waldo Canyon Fire racing through the Mountain Shadows neighborhood in Colorado Springs Tuesday evening, destroying numerous homes.
June 27 8:05pm: Waldo Canyon Fire by the numbers: 15,517 acres. 5% contained. 764 fire personnel on scene. Approximately 32,000 people evacuated.
Live video from Focus on the Family headquarters in Colorado Springs here
June 27 7:35pm: A firefighter told Colorado Springs Gazette reporter Ryan Maye Handy today that during a briefing, crews learned that 200 to 300 homes have been lost. He said it was difficult to be accurate about the number, since the devastation is so complete that you can’t even make out addresses.
June 27 6:05pm: Douglas County released this map of the pre-evacuation areas
June 27 5:20pm: Incident commanders released this map of the wildfire’s progression over the past several days.
June 27 4:10pm: Authorities not yet prepared to release preliminary number of homes lost to-date. Maybe tomorrow.
Colorado Springs Police Chief Richard Brown: “We have the firefight, and then we have the overhaul. We’re nowhere near the overhaul.”
June 27 3:30pm: If you think your property was in the damaged area, enter your information at http://ow.ly/bS7Zk for future contact
June 27 3:20pm: Mandatory Evacuations – East of State Hwy 24 from Crystola to Baldwin St./Rampart Range Rd. to the Teller County Border at Loy Creek. West of Hwy 24 and South of Aspen Garden Way, Rodeo Way, Ranch Drive, Mane St, CR231/West Street intersecting Hwy 24, West in Hwy 24 to Edlowe Road, and South on Edlowe Rd, to include the subdivision of Ranch Estates and Holiday Hills. All residents North of a line Crystola to Catamont Estates (off of CR 281) Evacuation Shelter is being established at the Cripple Creek and Victor High School.
June 27 1:30pm: President Obama to tour Waldo Canyon Fire area Friday. Confirmed.
June 27 1pm: Mandatory Evacuation: Crystola, both El Paso and Teller County.
June 27 12:55pm Pre-Evacuation notice: Holland Park – Garden of the Gods is the northern boundary. Centennial Blvd is the western boundary, I-25 is the eastern boundary, Fillmore St. as the southern boundary.
June 27 12:45pm: InciWeb map showing the latest Waldo Canyon Fire perimeter, including yesterday’s burn area. Click here to view
June 27 12:30pm: Pre-evacuation info for southwest Douglas County
“This is Douglas Regional 9-1-1 with a pre-evacuation warning. The Waldo Canyon fire burning in El Paso County is expanding and poses a threat to residents of southwestern Douglas County. The specific area included in this pre-evacuation warning is bounded by the Palmer Divide Road on the south, Noe Road on the north, Spruce Mountain on the east, and Rampart Range Rd.on the west.
Residents in the affected area need to make immediate plans for the evacuation and care of family members and animals. The Douglas County Fairgrounds in Castle Rock can accommodate evacuees and large animals should an evacuation become necessary. Residents are urged to gather important documents, medications, and important personal effects so that they will be immediately available should conditions deteriorate.
Please monitor local news channels for fire updates. If the fire comes dangerously close to your area, an evacuation order will be sent to this same telephone number. However, residents must maintain situational awareness. If you are in danger, DO NOT WAIT for an evacuation order. Take the initiative to leave immediately if local conditions warrant such action.
Please refrain from calling 9-1-1 unless you have an actual emergency. Check the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office website, DCSHERIFF.NET, for updates. Again, this is a pre-evacuation warning for your area.
If an evacuation is necessary, residents will need to evacuate to the North.”
June 27 Noon: Evacuation Shelters under operation by the Red Cross are located at:
Lewis Palmer High School (1300 Higby, Monument, CO)
Cheyenne Mountain High School (1200 Cresta Road, Colorado Springs, CO)
Southeast YMCA (2190 Jet Wing Drive, Colorado Springs, CO)
Summit Elementary School, Divide, CO
Southbound I-25 open through Colorado Springs, Westbound travel off of I-25 extremely limited due to for fire operations.
June 27, 11:41am: The Woodland Park area, which was on pre-evacuation notice, has been issued mandatory evacuation orders. All of Teller County east of Highway 67 has been given standby evacuation notices.
June 27 11:01am: Click here for a SkyFOX video that shows just a glimpse of the devastation — a row of homes destroyed by the Waldo Canyon Fire.
June 27 10:44am: Chris Jose reports that wind gusts are starting to pick up in Colorado Springs.
June 27 10:30am: The Air Force Academy has scheduled a noon press conference to address its evacuation plan.
June 27 9:30am: Information about donating or volunteering to help fire victims or firefighting efforts: HelpColoradoNow.org. You can also call 211 in your community.
June 27, 8:57am: Red Cross said it has seven shelters opened throughout Colorado last night and over 300 people stayed overnight in Colorado Springs alone.
June 27, 8:35am: Pre-evacuation orders issued for Southwest Douglas County
June 27, 8:28am: Officials said Colorado Springs’ water quality has not been compromised.
June 27, 8:22am: For the newest map of the Waldo Canyon Fire evacuees, click here.
June 27, 8:15am: FOX31 source said police are looking for “person of interest” in connection with the Waldo Canyon Fire who is on probation for arson. Authorities at the press briefing have denied these claims.
June 27, 8:14am: Further trouble is expected from weather – not from winds but from the development of thunderstorms over fire.
June 27 8:11am: There is no fire on the south side of the highway near Ute Pass. Highway 24 remains closed.
June 27 8:05am: From press briefing: Police department evacuated 26,000 people last night. Still no estimate on the amount of homes lost but there is work being done to get that estimate, according to Colorado Springs Fire Chief Rich Brown.
June 27 7:53am: Just confirmed, the fire has ballooned to 15,375 as of Wednesday morning.
June 27 7:33am: Our Justin Joseph reports there is speculation in Colorado Springs that the Waldo Canyon Fire may have been caused by an arsonist. There has also been a post on Craigslist from an individual claiming to know who started the fire. Investigators cannot confirm that at this time. There may be an update at this morning’s 8 a.m. briefing.
June 27 7:21am: For more information on evacuated animals and how you can help them, visit the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region’s website.
June 27, 6:16am: All exit ramps from I-25 are open. However, in three locations drivers will not be able to proceed west after exiting, but will be diverted to the north, south or east. The I-25 exits with restricted mobility are at Woodmen Road, Nevada/Rockrimmon, and Garden of the God Road.
June 27, 6:15am: Fore additional information, the El Paso County Sheriff’s office has set up a mobile app that can be downloaded here.
June 27 6:02am: Mother Nature could help with a Flash Flood Watch for the burn area currently being issued for Wednesday afternoon. However, there is also a Red Flag Warning for most of the day, which could be equally harmful.
June 27 5:55am: Viewer video from Jerry Riley, who had to run from the flames shortly after taking it.
June 27 5:50am: Additional evacuations late Tuesday included Pinon Valley leading up to the Air Force Academy, Kissing Camels and Holland Park. Fire bearing down on the large residential neighborhoods of Mountain Shadows, Perefrine and Rockrimmon Wednesday morning.
June 27 5:24am: Air Force Academy closed its two residential areas and directed a base closure for normal operations Wednesday. “Only mission essential personnel and personnel in direct support of cadet activities such as in-processing and student academics should plan to report for duty,” the Air Force said on its Facebook page. This is the first time the Academy has ever issued a mass evacuation.
June 27 4:33am: From El Paso County Police scanner: “Another home is up in flames.” Number of homes destroyed still unsure. Expect more details at 8 a.m. press briefing.
June 26 10:45pm: Rich Harvey/Incident Commander: “The fire was able to breach our primary and secondary containment lines”
June 26 10:31pm: I-25 open at Interquest in Colorado Springs. All WB Exits closed from Academy to Uintah St.
June 26 10:29pm: The City of Colorado Springs has updated the Waldo Canyon Fire evacuation map. Click here
June 26 9:45pm: Mandatory Evacuation: Kissing Camel, including south of Garden of the Gods Road, west of Cennential Blvd., East of 30th St. North and North of Fillmore and Fontmore Rd.
June 26 9:47pm: An evacuation order has been issued by the City of Colorado Springs for areas that are north of Garden of the Gods Rd. between I-25 to the east all the way to the western City limits and north to the Air Force Academy. The Air Force Academy evacuated areas include Academy Dr. to the USAFA’s southern and western boundaries.
Fire is estimated at 6,500 acres.
June 26 9:38pm: Hickenlooper on flying over the burning subdivisions: “It was like looking at a military invasion”
June 26 9:37pm: Gov. Hickenlooper at the Waldo Canyon Fire command center: “If I could make an executive order for rain, I’d do it tomorrow…I’d do it right now!”
June 26 9:10 p.m. – AFA second evacuation (an additional area) : Academy Drive South to Pine Drive; Stadium Blvd. on the east; USAFA boundary on the west.
June 26 9:20pm: Colorado Springs Mayor Steve Bach: “It’s like an inferno… We have quite a few homes on fire right now.”
June 26 8:47pm: El Paso County Sheriff says more than 32,000 people have been evacuated. Unknown number of homes destroyed.
June 26 8:39pm: Based on the view from Briargate Parkway, it appears hundreds of homes are threatened and/or ablaze. Live cam here
June 26 8:25pm New Evacuation Shelter Lewis Palmer High School 1300 Higby Road, Monument
June 26 8: 20pm Mandatory Evacuation of the south portion of the Air Force Academy: North Boundary is Pine Dr. South Boundary is the USAFA Boundary, West Boundary is the USAFA boundary, East boundary is the Tri Intersection.
UPDATE June 26 8:14PM: The Flying W Ranch reported Tuesday evening that its complex has been destroyed.
UPDATE June 26 7:39pm: A second Red Cross Shelter has been set up at the YMCA on 2190 Jetwing Drive. The Red Cross Shelter at Cheyenne Mountain High School is still accepting pets with evacuees. Evacuees that want to take pets should go to Cheyenne Mountain High School. The Humane Society has set up an animal shelter at the Freedom Financial Expo Center on North Nevada.
UPDATE June 26 7:35pm: CLOSED: Southbound I-25 at Interquest Parkway due to wildfire smoke. Detour in place using CO 21.
UPDATE June 26 7:29pm: Colorado Springs just released this map showing the mandatory evacuation areas.
UPDATE: June 26 6:40pm Colorado Springs Utilities has turned off electric and gas from West of Centennial from 30th street to Flying W Ranch.
URGENT- June 26 6:25pm Mandatory Evacuation: All area north of Vindicator Drive and west of I-25, North to the Air Force Academy.
UPDATE 5:45PM Tuesday: NEW Phone Numbers for the Waldo Canyon Fire Information Center
719-520-7058, 720-402-7935, 720-202-4510, 720-237-9947, 720-237-3417
UPDATE June 26 4:25pm – The El Paso County Sheriff has up graded to Mandatory evacuation the communities of North Mountian Shadows and Peregrine (north of Chuck Wagon Road, west of Centenial to Orchard Valley Road, NW of Orchard Valley Road to Woodman Road).
UPDATE June 26 3:45pm – The El Paso County Sheriff has downgraded the Mandatory evacuation order for Crystal Park to Voluntary.
UPDATE June 26 – 1:10 PM – A new Pre-Evacuaion Notice has been issued for portions of Teller County near Woodland Park. A Pre-Evacuation notice is precautionary, and does not mean a Mandatory Evacuation is imminent, but only that you should be prepared to evacuate if necessary.
Hwy 24 is closed west of Colorado Springs – In particular, westbound is closed near the west exit for Manito Springs, and eastbound is closed at the El Paso/Teller County Line near Crystola.
Waldo Canyon Fire Joint Information Center telephone numbers are: 719-629-7322, 720-402-7935, 720-237-9947, 720-237-3417. For official Twitter updates: @epcsheriff and @springsgov
