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Waldo Canyon Fire spreads, federal resources called in
Posted: 06.25.2012 at 7:27 AM Updated: 06.25.2012 at 8:40 PM
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EL PASO COUNTY, COLO. -- The Waldo Canyon Fire has spread to more than 4,500 acres in the foothills just west of Colorado Springs as of Monday.
The fire, which started Saturday in Waldo Canyon, quickly spread due to hot, dry and windy weather conditions. About 13,542 homes and 120 businesses are threatened, though none have burned so far. Nobody has been hurt.
Residents in Green Mountain Falls, Cascade, Chipita Park, Cedar Heights and parts of Mountain Shadows have been ordered to evacuate, and residents in eastern Teller County are on alert.
Manitou Springs residents were evacuated Sunday but have since been allowed to return home, leaving the total number of evacuees at about 4,825.
Gov. John Hickenlooper said Sunday federal resources are on the way, including more firefighters and additional air tankers. About 600 firefighters are currently battling the fire, and four federal tankers will be available Monday afternoon.
The fire is about five percent contained, and crews said they don't expect it to be fully contained until July 16.
If you want information about the fire, the non-emergency number is (719) 629-7322.
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