(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) said the West Monument Creek Fire is now 20% contained and 168 acres as crews continue to battle the wildfire that started on Sunday afternoon, Feb. 25. The National Weather Service (NWS) has also issued a Red Flag Warning for the area, and winds are expected to increase on Monday, Feb. 26.
USAFA said crews from the Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) and Fort Carson’s Directorate of Emergency Services Fire Department are teaming up to battle the fire. Fort Carson is also providing water drops from a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter and two CH-47 Chinooks.
As of Monday morning, Feb. 26 at 9 a.m., USAFA said no evacuation orders have been given to those living on the Academy, but both the Douglass and Pine Valley housing areas are under a pre-evacuation notice.
“The Academy’s Emergency Family Assistance Center (EFAC) has been established to provide support to our family members, military and government civilians seeking assistance,” wrote USAFA. “The center is available to provide information and referral for military families affected by the fire.”
The EFAC can be reached at (719) 333-3444 or by email at [email protected].
USAFA said families who have evacuated on their own need to update their family information in the Air Force Personnel Accountability and Assessment System (AFPAAS), and for mental health support, individuals can call the Military Family Life Counselors (MFLCs) at (719) 360-2870 or (719) 895-0170.
USAFA is closed to the general public on Monday but can be accessed by DoD ID cardholders, and contractors. All patient appointments at the main Medical Treatment Facility are canceled and staff will work to reschedule appointments. The Child Development Centers and Visitor Center are also closed.
