Thousands of Colorado-residents were forced to evacuate their homes after a wildfire burned hundreds of acres of land. Several areas have also received red flag warnings for extreme risks caused by the wildfire.
According to NBC News, the fire started around 4 p.m. ET near Black Forest Regional Park in El Paso County. Fueled by hot, gusty winds, the fire moved fast towards the homes forcing about 3,600 people from northeast Colorado Springs to evacuate their homes. The El Paso County Sherriff's Office estimates over 1,200 houses were vacated because of the fire.
According to Sherriff Terry Maketa, less than 10 homes were burned by the incident. However, because of the weather conditions, the National Weather Service had issued southeastern Colorado a red flag warning citing "critical fire weather combinations."
"As you can tell, weather is not working with us," Maketa said, as reported by NBC.
Reports have also indicated that fire fighters were having a hard time putting out the fire and that "their resources were being stretched critically thin," the report stated.
According to the Gazette, firefighters are doing what they can to save the houses but at some instances they have to let some houses burn out.
NBC 9 News reports that the fire is at an estimated 7,500 to 8,000 acres.
The Gazette's updates also indicated that at 9:56 p.m. Congressman Doug Lamborn had already agreed with the Peterson Air Force Base 302 Airlift Wing to have C-130s help fight the continuous spreading fire. These planes are equipped with Forest Service systems that could drop retardants to slow down the fires.
"We hope this fast, coordinated response from local and federal authorities will help get the Black Forest Fire put out as quickly as possible and save lives and property," the congressman's statement read.
As of 10:14 p.m., the report also indicated that Type 1 command team and Air Force planes are already expected to help put out the fire. The team's goal for tonight is to contain the fire before trying to stop it.
Black Forest Map Details:
Red Area - EXPANDED, 10:20 P.M.: Mandatory evacuation area for Black Forest fire
Yellow Area - Pre-Evacuation Zone: 11:45 p.m., June 11
Beds - Black Forest Evacuation Shelter: Palmer Ridge High School
View Colorado Wildfires: Black Forest, Royal Gorge, Big Meadows in a larger map
View Colorado Wildfires: Black Forest, Royal Gorge, Big Meadows in a larger map
View Colorado Wildfires: Black Forest, Royal Gorge, Big Meadows in a larger map