It doesn't seem like the situation in Black Forest, Colo. is getting any better. Two days into the fire and mandatory evacuations have already expanded on both the north and west ends of the area as the fire continues to spread.
According to The Denver Channel, the areas under the mandatory evacuation order have extended to Walker Road in the northern side, Highway 81 on the western boundary, Burgess Road/Rex Road in the south and Eastonville Road on the east end.
CBS News Denver also notes that residents in Highway 106 on the north, N. Elbert Road on the east, County Line on the south and the west were also forced to evacuate. This evacuation notice came from the Elbert County Sherriff 's Office, sent out around 3 p.m. Wednesday.
A total number of 9,000 to 9,500 people were assessed to have been evacuated from over 3,400 homes, 150 commercial establishments and 200 outbuildings.
Based on the assessment released by the El Paso County Sherriff's Office, 92 homes were declared a total loss while five have been partially affected. However, as the fire continues more establishments are expected to be affected by the catastrophe.
"The fire has now doubled back. Properties that we identified as standing are now engulfed in flames, so the count and the numbers are changing as I speak," explained El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa in a fire update on Thursday.
The Sherriff also noted that as of now, the official size of the fire is at 8,500 acres, but is expected to reach to 11,000 or 12,000 when the official mapping is finished.
"The possibilities for this fire to continue to spread are extreme," Maketa noted.
For those evacuated from their homes, The Red Cross has set up three shelters to cater to the public. These are at Palmer Ridge High School, Elbert County Fairgrounds and New Life Church.
The Denver Channel noted, however, that due to heavy smoke, evacuees in New Life Church were also moved to Palmer Ridge High School.
Notably, large animals can be taken to the Elbert County Fairgrounds which now has 150 horses and other farm animals.
INTERACTIVE MAPS
View Black Forest Fire Evacuation Map in a larger map
View Black Forest Fire Evacuation Map in a larger map
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