Highland Lakes wildfire in Colorado destroys 1 home, forces evacuation of 700 homes: See map
One house was destroyed and 700 others have been evacuated due to the Highland Lakes wildfire in Divide, Colorado, according to officials. Strong gusts of wind could make the fire grow.
The wildfire has consumed 98 acres of land in Teller County, around 100 miles southwest of Denver, and is 0% contained, according to the Teller County Sheriff's Office.
The flames threaten hundreds of homes worth a combined $300,000,000, Jason Mikesell, the Teller County Sherriff, said at a press briefing Monday, which recorded by multiple news outlets. One home was already destroyed.
Multiple fire units are on the scene, said Mikesell.
The fire was discovered on Monday, at 6:30 p.m., according to Paste BN's data.
What caused the fire?
The cause of the fire is under investigation, said Mikesell at another press briefing on Tuesday.
"I do have investigators actually searching the area," he said.
Weather could cause wildfire to spread
The fire did die down on Monday night as the air cooled, according to a Teller County press release. However, that may be short-lived.
Wind gusting from 45 to nearly 60 mph "will likely cause the fire to spread" Tuesday afternoon, Kyle Mozley, a forecaster with the National Weather Service, told Paste BN.
Due to a lack of snowfall, usually expected around this time of year, vegetation in the area has dried out, which could provide more fuel for the fire.
So, wind gusts, low humidity and dry vegetation could provide the conditions needed for the fire to spread further, according to Mozley.
Colorado wildfire map
Which areas have been evacuated?
The following areas have been evacuated, according to the county's website:
- East of Highland Lakes Sub
- County Road 51 to Golden Bell north and East to County Road 5
- Cedar Mountain North to Golden Bell
- Wayward Wind
- Snowhill
- Aspen Village
- Broken Wheel
- Alpine View
- Beaver Lake Circle
- Beaver Lake Place
- Star View Trail
Julia is a trending reporter for Paste BN. You can connect with her on LinkedIn, follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@gannett.com