A large fire developed Friday in central Colorado, near Fort Carson. The fire was south of Colorado Springs and continues to grow east, however is not (at this time) expected to reach Interstate 25, the main north-south corridor in the south. Weather, particularly gusty winds and very dry conditions, fueled the flames. The fire is being called the Carson Midway fire. The cause is being blamed on military training operations.
#BREAKING: Evacuations in place as #fire grows near Fort Carson, Colorado.
Story: https://t.co/WxWNkz9MGY pic.twitter.com/CYMlWc6rj9— WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) March 16, 2018
MUST WATCH: Dry and windy conditions are helping to fuel the Carson Midway Fire near Fort Carson, CO, causing several "firenadoes" to form. #CarsonMidwayFire #Fire #COwx pic.twitter.com/LoudcLNcn1
— WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) March 16, 2018
According to WeatherNation affiliate KOAA in Colorado Springs, the fire has burnt 2,000-3,000 acres as of Friday evening. KOAA reports a total of 69 homes have been evacuated in Pueblo County and 250 homes in El Paso County.
Local county sheriff’s deputies began evacuations immediately as the fire began around noon local time Friday.
Evacuations have expanded Northbound Boundary – Donner Pass View, Southbound Boundary – County Line Road, East Boundary – I25, West Boundary – Fort Carson Route 1 pic.twitter.com/ByOdBmmMR6
— EPCSheriff (@EPCSheriff) March 16, 2018
The Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office reports that they used choppers to help gain control of the fire.
UPDATE: 2:19 p.m. No structures in Pueblo County have been affected by the #carsonmidway fire burning near the Pueblo County/El Paso County line. Keep following us for updates. pic.twitter.com/6IjL4w1pKU
— PuebloCounty Sheriff (@PuebloCountySO) March 16, 2018
Fire weather concerns remain high through Saturday for parts of Colorado, New Mexico, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas as dry, breezy, and warm conditions will continue. That means fires will spread very quickly under these weather conditions.
Stick with WeatherNation as we continue to get new information on this fire.