A wildfire is currently raging across more than 100 acres of land in Douglas County, located north of Woodland Park and near Sedalia. U.S. Forest Service officials have reported the fire, which originated around 4:29 p.m. on Saturday near the Turkey Track shooting range in the Pike-San Isabel National Forest, according to Douglas County Sheriffâs Office spokesperson Luke Roberts in a Sunday morning briefing.
As of 9 a.m. on Sunday, the fire had already consumed approximately 128 acres and had not yet been contained, as confirmed by U.S. Forest Service officials. The cause of the fire is believed to be human-induced, although investigations are ongoing to determine the exact source.
Authorities, including sheriffâs deputies from Douglas and Teller counties, national forest service personnel, and various fire departments with volunteer assistance, were swift to respond to the scene of the fire shortly after 6 p.m. on Saturday. The fire rapidly grew due to hot, dry, and windy conditions, posing severe challenges for containment efforts.
Weather forecasts predict Red Flag conditions persisting throughout Sunday until rain showers arrive in the evening. The dryness and wind in the morning are expected to test the effectiveness of established firelines and potentially lead to rapid fire spread, as highlighted by Forest Service officials.
The primary concern is preventing the fire from crossing Colorado 67, particularly given the presence of multiple campgrounds and popular hiking spots, including Rainbow Falls, situated on the east side of the highway. Pre-evacuation orders were issued for the area around 6:25 p.m. on Saturday.
Roberts expressed concern over the prolonged nature of this fire season, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and preparedness in the face of escalating wildfire risks.
