Mandatory evacuations ordered due to fire near Divide in Teller County

TELLER COUNTY, Colo. – A fire burning near Divide has prompted mandatory evacuations and evacuation orders, according to the Teller County Sheriff's Office (TCSO).

The Highland Lake Fire is 97 acres and was 0 percent contained as of 9 p.m. Monday.

An evacuation order applies to the following areas from 7:00 p.m.:

• Alpine view
• Aspen Village
• Beaver Lake Circle
• Beaver Lake Place
• Broken wheel
• Cedar Mountain North to Golden Bell
• Snow hill
• Star View Trail
• Wayward wind

An evacuation warning is in effect for the following areas:

• Aspen Moor subdivision
• Buck Lake Drive
• Copper Lake Drive
• District road 5
• District road 51
• District road 52
• Forest Road 357
• Grandview Subdivision
• Spring Valley Subdivision

The fire is burning near Beaver Lake Circle, which is near Blue Mesa Drive northwest of Divide. About 700 homes were evacuated, according to TCSO.

In an update Monday evening, the sheriff's office said the fire's rapid spread had slowed as the temperature cooled. TCSO says one structure was lost, but no injuries were reported.

Those in need of shelter can go to Woodland Park Community Church, located at 800 Valley View Drive in Woodland Park. Large animals and livestock can be kept at the Teller County Fairgrounds in Cripple Creek. The sheriff's office is working on a shelter for pets.

According to the sheriff's office, an investigation is ongoing, but investigators concluded the fire was human-caused. The Teller County Board of Commissioners issued a disaster declaration due to the fire.

Sheriff's office officials said they were nervous about the fire because of the area and weather conditions. Firefighters are planning an “aggressive” firefight for Tuesday, including aerial drops.

Due to the fire, Teller County is now under a Level 3 fire ban. Woodland Park School District RE-2 announced its Summit and Columbine campuses will remain closed Tuesday.

The secondary campus operates through distance learning. The district said families who do not have online access to school can contact their teachers for an excused absence.

This is a developing story and will be updated.