June 24, 2012 09:37 PM UTC

Hick Tours Fires, Asks For More Help

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• by: nancycronk

(Click here to chip in for Colorado Red Cross relief efforts – promoted by Colorado Pols)

According to various news sources, eight fires are burning around Colorado today. News reports are being updated rapidly.

The Waldo Canyon Fire, which started only yesterday, is now reported to be at 3000 acres and burning very rapidly to the east, just west of Manitou Springs, according to local news reports in the area. The fire is behaving erratically and has multiple heads. One hundred foot flames have been reported. Manitou Springs, Cascade, and other towns have been evacuated this morning. Governor Hickenlooper toured the scene by helicopter this morning.

Local news reports have been focusing on residents packing up and evacuating from Manitou Springs.  Some of the most up-to-date information is on twitter, using hashtags #waldocanyonfire and  #waldofire, and coming from CO Springs Mayor Steve Bach, John Schroyer at the Gazette, and CO – Emergency Management. According to the Emergency Management website, CO is now at Preparedness level #5 on a scale of 1-5.  

Among the facts being relayed to the press about the fires:

There is an open fire ban all across CO. No charcoal fires or open-flame barbecues. (Governor Hickenlooper’s Office)

There is a “red flag warning” meaning the fire danger is critical. One stray ember could have a disastrous effect.(NOAA — National Weather Service)

A call center has been established to answer non-emergent questions regarding the Waldo Canyon fire 719-955-0742. (El Paso County Sheriff)

If you see/smell smoke, avoid outdoor physical activities.If visibility <5 miles, smoke levels are unhealthy. (Colorado Health Dept.)

This morning, the CO Springs Sheriff stated that all commercial resources were being used first, and the federal government resources are ready to deploy when ordered.

Four hundred fifty-five firefighters are fighting the Waldo Park fire alone. (KKTV.com)

According to Hickenlooper’s office this morning, the federal government is now coming to help in the form of sending two C130s, which should arrive Monday. Other resources are also on its way from neighboring states.

Here is some information for those who must mitigate the fire risk around their home: https://www.rmiia.org/downloads… .

Disclaimer: All information shared above is from publicly available sources including the Colorado Gazette, the Colorado Emergency Management website, the CO Department of Public Health, and the National Weather Service.

Expect to see big changes in the aggressive response to these fires very soon. Stay safe, Colorado!