UPDATE: FRIDAY 3/31/2023 5:42 p.m.
(TELLER COUNTY, Colo.) — TCSO said they are aware that power is out for some areas of Teller County due to fallen trees.
CORE Electric is working to restore power and CCSO said that work should be complete by 8:00 p.m.
UPDATE: FRIDAY 3/31/2023 4:05 p.m.
Teller County is now under a stage 2 fire ban, meaning all open burning is banned on private and public lands in Teller County.
Open burning is defined as any outdoor fire, including:
- Campfires
- Warming fires
- Charcoal fires
- All outdoor welding and cutting activities with an open flame
- Explosives
- Firing of model rockets
- Fireworks
- Prescribed burning of fences, fields, wildlands, trash, and debris
Click here to view the entire fire ban resolution and what is included in the ban.
UPDATE: FRIDAY 3/31/2023 1:25 p.m.
The Forest Service for the Pikes and San Isabel Forests (USFS) updated the size of the 403 fire to 1,205 acres and resources are getting in place with the goal of limiting the fire’s growth.
Park and Teller County along with USFS are working to contain the fire while aviation resources are unable to fly due to strong winds.
ORIGINAL STORY: Press conference for 403 wildfire in Park & Teller counties Friday morning
UPDATE: FRIDAY 3/31/2023 10:55 a.m.
Park County Sheriff’s Office said they will have deputies at roadblocks to escort those living in the areas evacuated to briefly return to their homes to retrieve any necessary belongings and medications.
According to the Forest Service, the fire spans 1,100 acres and lines have been established where they plan on holding the fire.
UPDATE: FRIDAY 3/31/2023 9:05 a.m.
TCSO is asking for donations for both Park and Teller County. Eye drops, cough drops, water, and Gatorade were specifically mentioned. Donations for Park County can be dropped off at Lake George Fire Protection District at 8951 Colorado Road 90, Lake George.
Teller County donations can be taken to the Sheriff’s Office in Divide located at 11400 US-24.
FRIDAY 3/31/2023 6:54 a.m.
A fire is burning in the Park and Teller County areas, evacuations have been ordered and a press conference is expected early Friday, March 31.
At the last update on Thursday, March 30, just before 9 p.m. the fire was at 1,047 acres, and a graphic was shared by the Teller County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) showing the fire moving northeast.
Evacuations and pre-evacuations have been ordered due to dangerous winds and unpredictable shifts in wind strength and direction.
Winds are expected to remain strong most of Friday, with gusts up to 50mph in the areas over and near the fire. Strong winds combined with dry conditions will make it challenging for crews who are working to contain the fire.
On Thursday at around 10:52 a.m. the fire was reported behind the Florissant Fossil Beds. Throughout the day evacuations were ordered as the fire grew in size and spread northeast.
“Be prepared to leave. If you are in danger, evacuate immediately,” said TCSO.
Evacuation Shelters and locations are available. Call the evacuation line at (719) 836-4200 for updates.
TCSO is holding a press conference at 9 a.m. Friday morning. FOX21 News has a crew on the way and will update this article with more information as it becomes available.
