(U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo.) — While the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) will remain closed to the public on Tuesday, Feb. 27, the fire burning on the south side of the property is no longer spreading, according to an update from USAFA.
USAFA said in a press release that multiple agencies continue to fight the West Monument Creek Fire that sparked on Sunday, and fire crews have managed to keep the fire from spreading further as of Monday afternoon.
A UH-60 Black Hawk and two CH-47 Chinook helicopters dropped more than 14,000 gallons of water on Monday, targeting hot spots in the affected area. The U.S. Forest Service provided a 10-person hand crew and several management resources. USAFA said the hand crew is working in steep terrain to clear grass and brush to prevent further spread of the fire.
No evacuation orders have been issued to Academy residents, and the pre-evacuation notice for
residents in Douglass Valley and Pine Valley housing has been cancelled.
The Academy will remain closed to the public on Tuesday, however it remains open to DOD ID cardholders, contractors, and District 20 students. Academy operations continue as scheduled, and the Child Development Centers and Military Treatment Facility are planned to be open for regular hours.
USAFA said if the situation changes due to the fire or weather, updates will be communicated Tuesday morning. Some road closures remain in effect and all personnel should follow directions from Security Forces.
According to incident commander Fire Chief Ronald Prettyman, the fire is no longer spreading, and forecasted precipitation on Tuesday will help provide some relief for crews. USAFA said the footprint of the fire has not significantly changed since Monday morning, though the fire is not fully contained.
“This has truly been a team effort from across the region, and a huge thank you to everyone on the front line that is supporting this response,” said USAFA Superintendent Lt. Gen. Richard M. Clark. “We are so impressed by the teamwork that has gone into keeping our community and Academy safe.”
USAFA said the Academy’s Emergency Family Assistance Center (EFAC) remains operational to provide support to family members, military and government civilians seeking assistance. The EFAC can be reached at 719-333-3444, or [email protected].
