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Highland Lakes Fire grows to 90 acres; Teller County Sheriff says 700 homes are threatened
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Highland Lakes Fire grows to 90 acres; Teller County Sheriff says 700 homes are threatened

UPDATE: Officials provided multiple updates on the wildfire burning near the Divide Monday evening.

The Teller County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) said the fire has been named the Highland Lakes Fire. It has reached 90 acres and threatens 700 homes. So far, one home has been lost, but no injuries have been reported.

TCSO said citizens should avoid County Road 5 as it is inaccessible.

The sheriff also said the fire was human-caused, but added that he would not release further details because the investigation is ongoing. However, when asked at the last press conference, he said “we are dealing with criminal charges…”

Woodland Park Community Church will be used as an evacuation center.

On Monday night, TCSO also declared a Stage 3 Fire Ban. This means no intermittent burning, outdoor fires, outdoor cooking, outdoor smoking, outdoor welding, fireworks, model rockets, explosives, or recreational shooting. Hunters in rural areas away from the fire will be allowed to continue hunting, the sheriff’s office said. It is currently second rifle season for both elk and elk.

Woodland Park School District also announced Monday night that the Summit and Columbine campuses would be closed on Tuesday due to fire. The secondary campus will operate remotely and students are expected to log in for online learning. The school district said families who cannot access school online should notify their teachers and their absences will be considered excused.

You can find evacuation information below.

DIVIDE, Colo. (KRDO) – The Teller County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) issued an evacuation order for residents near Beaver Lake Circle in the Divide late Monday afternoon.

According to TCSO, the order now includes the Highland Lakes Subdivision. Residents of Alpine View, Star View Trail, Beaver Lake Place, Beaver Lake Circle and Golden Bell Lane are also under mandatory evacuation due to a structure fire near Beaver Lake Circle.

The evacuation order also covers the eastern Highland Lakes Subdivision. The nearest major intersection is Cedar Mountain Road to Golden Bell. Everyone from County Road 51 to Golden Bell, north and east to County Road 5, must evacuate.

Late Monday night, TCSO also issued a pre-evacuation warning for County Road 5. This includes the Aspen Moor and Spring Valley subdivisions, County Road 51 on both sides from County Road 5 to County Road 512, County Road 5 to County Road South. 51 on the west side only, including Grandview Subdivision. County Rd 5 north of County Rd 51 to Forest Service Road 357 on both sides.