UPDATE: OCTOBER 29, 2024, 10:10 AM MT — TELLER COUNTY, COLORADO — Overnight, the Highland Lake Fire expanded from 90 to 98 acres, although no additional structures have been lost, and no injuries have been reported. Additional firefighting crews and state resources arrived on scene overnight and are now actively deployed across the affected area, joining the existing multi-agency effort to contain the blaze.
Teller County officials are asking residents to avoid the area to facilitate the safe and efficient movement of firefighting personnel and equipment. For residents needing to retrieve essential medications from their homes, escorted visits can be arranged by contacting Teller County Dispatch at 719-687-9652.
Animal sheltering options remain available, with smaller pets welcome at the Teller County Regional Animal Shelter (TCRAS) and larger animals at the Teller County Fairgrounds in Cripple Creek.
With mission aircraft currently assisting the firefighting effort, officials remind the public not to fly drones in the area, as this could interfere with air operations and potentially halt suppression efforts.
Further updates from the Teller County Sheriff’s Office will be provided as more information becomes available.
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ORIGINAL STORY: OCTOBER 28, 2024, 9:45 PM MT — TELLER COUNTY, COLORADO — A fast-moving wildfire in the Highland Lakes area of Divide, Colorado, has led Teller County officials to declare a local disaster emergency, activating emergency response and recovery teams. As of 7:00 p.m., the Highland Lake Fire had scorched approximately 90 acres and prompted the evacuation of around 700 homes in multiple neighborhoods.
Areas currently under evacuation orders include Cedar Mountain North to Golden Bell, Wayward Wind, Snowhill, Aspen Village, Broken Wheel, Alpine View, Beaver Lake Circle, Beaver Lake Place, and Star View Trail.
While no injuries have been reported, authorities have confirmed that one structure was lost to the fire. The fire initially spread quickly, fueled by dry grasses and advancing into nearby wooded areas. However, officials say fire activity decreased as the evening temperatures cooled. Despite the easing conditions, the fire remains zero percent contained, and firefighting agencies across Teller County are coordinating to establish control lines around the burn area.
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In a coordinated response involving multiple agencies, personnel from Divide Fire, El Paso Wildland Fire, Florissant Fire, Cripple Creek Fire, Lake George Fire, Four Mile Fire, Victor Fire, Northeast Teller County Fire, Mountain Communities Fire, Green Mountain Falls Fire, and the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control’s Tava Module are actively working to suppress the flames.
Sheriff Jason Mikesell has announced that additional evacuation resources have been organized, including a shelter at Woodland Park Community Church for displaced residents and a large animal shelter at the Teller County Fairgrounds in Cripple Creek. The county’s command center is also finalizing support plans for pets and other domesticated animals that may be left behind due to evacuation.
Officials are asking residents to remain vigilant and adhere to evacuation orders. Sheriff Mikesell will provide the next update from the Teller County Sheriff’s Office at 9:00 p.m. tonight.
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
Community Safety Tips in Response to Wildfire
Residents in fire-prone areas are encouraged to maintain defensible space around homes, clear combustible materials from yards, and keep evacuation supplies ready. For those with large animals, plan ahead for transportation needs in case of evacuation orders.
For ongoing support and fire safety, Colorado residents can purchase a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (COSAR) card to contribute to local SAR resources.
The card is available at: https://cpw.state.co.us/backcountry-search-and-rescue-program
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