CRIPPLE CREEK, Colorado — The Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team One (CIMT1) assumed command Sunday morning of the response to the High Park Fire burning just west of Cripple Creek. The change in leadership brings new logistical support and resources to the fire response.
The fire was last measured Monday at nearly 1,600 acres, and 37% containment. No structures have been damaged. Several hundred homes in the area remain under evacuation orders or are in pre-evacuation status.
There is also a Red Flag Warning over the fire area today. The forecast calls for a chance of isolated thunderstorms that could bring gusty, erratic winds, but little chance of rain.
The CIMT1 team will have access to a fleet of five helicopters and two air attack platforms to assist with aerial observations and bucket drops. Currently, air drops are happening every three minutes to mostly the southern end of the fire.
NOW Watch as the helicopter pilot dips into the trees in a daring effort to drench a hot spot at the #HighParkFire in Teller County Saturday. @COParksWildlife has wildlife officers helping with evacuations, patrolling and traffic control. pic.twitter.com/7UspkdS9J9
— CPW SE Region (@CPW_SE) May 15, 2022
Incident Commander Dan Dallas reports a combination of fire operations to secure indirect firelines and winds driving the flames led to the fire growth on Saturday.
The burn area is roughly bounded by High Park Road to the west and Fourmile Creek to the east.
Evacuations
Mandatory evacuations remain in effect for the Lakemoor Subdivision, Cripple Creek Ranches, and the Mt. Pisgah area.
Pre-evacuation notices remain for residents in Rhyolite Mountain Mesa, Monarch, and Lost Canyon. County Road 11 remains closed between milepost 3 and County Road 112.
The evacuation shelter at Woodland Park High School remains open for residents in need of shelter. Livestock can be taken to the Cripple Creek Fair Grounds.
Even before a fire threatens your home, you'll want to have an emergency plan in place for you and your family. This should include ways to get in touch with everyone, a safe meeting place, and what actions to take if a disaster were to strike.
If a fire is burning nearby, pack your car ahead of time with necessary documents, medications, clothing, and other supplies.
When flames threaten, act fast! Don't feel the need to be told to leave if you feel unsafe.
If told to evacuate, you must go now. Finally, return home only when officials say that it's safe to do so.
Get the latest First Alert 5 Weather Forecast
Wildfire safety tips to consider before, during and after the flames
- Avoid activities with open flames or sparks
- Avoid power equipment that creates sparks
- Obey burn bans
- Properly discard cigarettes
- Keep vehicles off of dry grasses
- Call 911 to report smoke or fire
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