The Teller County Sheriff’s Office will be holding a presser at 11 a.m. FOX21 News will stream the event in the video player above.
(TELLER COUNTY, Colo.) — The Teller County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) released a new map for the Highland Lake Fire showing the current evacuation zones, and a press briefing will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 30.
According to TCSO, the fire was at 166 acres and 60 percent contained as of 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29. No people were injured and no additional structures were damaged. The pre-evacuations had been lifted, but evacuations were still in effect.
Courtesy: Teller County Sheriff’s Office
The Sheriff’s Office planned to reassess the situation on Wednesday, Oct. 30, to determine whether conditions and firefighting efforts overnight allowed for a gradual re-entry process to begin. Re-entry will only be allowed if the fire does not present additional danger and the weather cooperates. If the fire becomes more dangerous, plans for re-entry will be canceled until further notice.
The initial areas that may be removed from the evacuation list are Aspen Village, Broken Wheel, and Highland Lakes. TCSO plans to share more information about the decision at the 11 a.m. press event.
Firefighters used a technique called “backburning” to rob the fire of its fuel in some areas and worked hard to divert the fire away from homes. Those returning to their homes may expect to see burned grass around their property from this effort.
Over 15 first responder agencies from around the area remain on site to assist with the fire.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. It began as a structure fire and spread to become a brush fire. As with any other incident of this type, the fire is first being investigated for potential criminal charges. Both County and State investigators are involved and the investigators are working with the 4th Judicial District Office and the Colorado Fire Prevention teams.
