92 homes have been lost to the Black Forest Fire, said Sheriff Terry Maketa of El Paso County, who told residents that authorities are close to issuing a pre-evacuation order.
Maketa said people should start gathering valuables now and to “Get into that ready, set, go mode.”
The Black Forest fire, north of Colorado Springs, is burning 8,000 acres and could spread 3,000 or 4,000 more acres.
The problem is that the wind has shifted the fire in two different directions, both northeast and northwest.
More than 500 people are involved in aspects of battling the fire, including fire personnel and law enforcement officials.
On the positive side, Maketa said that the numerous roadways in the area are working in their favor.
