PARK COUNTY, Colo. -- The fast-growing Springer Fire has burned 200 acres in Park County and fire officials are responding with an aggressive ground-and-air attack on Sunday afternoon.
Authorities ordered evacuations for the Eleven Mile Canyon Recreation Area and some homes and cabins, said Ralph Bellah, spokesman for the Pike National Forest. Numerous homes and cabins are threatened, he said.
FAIRPLAY, Colo., June 17, 2012 at 2200 – The Springer Fire was reported today around noon and is currently burning on the South Park Ranger District in Park County. The fire is burning approximately 5 miles SW of Lake George and is burning in Ponderosa Pine and Mixed Conifer forest. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
There is approximately 150 firefighters currently on scene and more firefighters will be arriving tomorrow. Hand crews, engines, helicopters and air tankers battled the fire today and have kept the fire from crossing to the South side of Elevenmile canyon. Tonight, fire engines will continue with structure protection and the crews will get some much needed rest to prepare for red flag conditions over the fire area tomorrow.
Elevenmile Canyon including Camp Alexander has been evacuated and will remain closed to all recreation and traffic. Park County has issued a mandatory evacuation for Wagon Tongue subdivision, Echo Valley Subdivision, Circle C Ranch, Beaver Valley Ranch , Beaver Valley Estates, Homes located on County Rd 98 and 403. Teller County has issued a voluntary evacuation notice for Wilson Lakes subdivision, Forest Glen Subdivision and Blue Mountain. An evacuation center has been set up by the Red Cross at the High School in Woodland Park. Evacuees can take large animals to the Fairgrounds in Cripple Creek and small animals can be taken to the Teller County Animal Shelter.
