Evacuations ordered after large fire from Fort Carson travels off post, several homes lost

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) - A large grass fire that started on range at Fort Carson spread off post south of Fountain Friday morning. Several homes off Fort Carson have been lost, the Hanover fire chief confirms.

According to the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office, the fire is 1,234 acres with wind remaining strong and erratic in the area. It is 0 percent contained as of 2:15 p.m.

Evacuations have been ordered for the Midway Ranch subdivision. They have since expanded to the north boundary at Donner Pass View, south boundary at County Line Road, east boundary at I-25 and west boundary at Fort Carson Route 1.

About 100 residents in Pueblo County have been evacuated, not including those in El Paso County.

Deputies say controlled traffic access for evacuation purposes only is at I-25 exit 119 at Rancho Colorado Blvd. Citizens are urged to stay away from the area so emergency response vehicles can safely respond.

An evacuation center has been set up for residents at Fountain Valley Baptist Church at 500 W. Alabama Ave. in Fountain. The El Paso County Sheriff's Office says residents may go to the center for resources, fire information and other assistance.

A large animal shelter has also been set up at the Colorado State Fairgrounds. Those needing to use the shelter can enter at Gate 6 on Small Avenue near the horse stalls.

As a precaution, Hanover School District 28 Praire Heights Elementary students were evacuated to the Jr./Sr. High School. PM preschool has been canceled.

According to Pueblo West Fire Department, the fire flared up just before 10 a.m.

It started in an area on base about a mile northwest of Pueblo County on range 155. According to the fire department, there are air resources and several other departments working to put the fire out. A request has also been put in for help from departments from the state of Arizona.

This comes on a day where there is high fire danger and just a day after residents were evacuated in the same area for a separate fire.