PARK COUNTY, Colo. — A grass fire burning west of the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument has forced evacuations in Park and Teller counties.
The fire, which has been named the 403 Fire, is currently 1,047 acres in size, Teller County officials Thursday evening. It is burning behind the Florissant Fossil Beds.
Mandatory evacuations were ordered for residents in the area of:
- South Park Road off County Road 403, eight miles south of Lake George
- County Road 46 to Wilson Drive. The closest major intersection is County Road 46 and Blue Mountain Drive
- Wilson Lakes and Forest Glen subdivisions. The closest major intersection is County Road 403 and County Road 98
- Within a mile of County Road 403 and Alpine Meadow Lane
For the latest evacuation map, click here.
A pre-evacuation warning was issued for La Montana Mesa, Las Brisas, Valley Hi and Florissant Heights subdivisions.
An emergency shelter was set up at the Woodland Park Community Church, located at 800 Valley View Drive. Anyone with large animals and livestock was asked to go to the Lake George Fairgrounds at 37371 Highway 24 in Lake George. The Teller County Animal Shelter, located at 308 Weaverville Road in Divide, was accepting small cats and dogs. Small pet owners were asked to call 719-868-7707 if they had any questions.
Authorities cut off power and gas, which impacted the Wilson Lakes and Forest Glen subdivisions, according to the Teller County Sheriff's Office.
The U.S. Forest Service said aviation resources cannot fly due to strong winds.
If you are evacuating and have questions, call 719-836-4200.
A red flag warning was in effect in Park County until 8 p.m. Thursday. A Stage 1 burn ban is also effect for the entire county until further notice, officials said.
