Waldo Canyon Fire Burns into Colorado Springs
Two C-130s assigned to the 302nd Airlift Wing wait on the tarmac at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. Four Modular Airborne Firefighting System-equipped C-130s from the 302nd and 153rd Airlift Wings have been assigned to support wildland firefighting efforts in Colorado, dropping water and retardant on fires such as the Waldo Canyon fire burning in the background. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Thomas Doscher
UPDATE 6/27/2012 8 AM LOCAL: KRDO live television feed morning press conference
Waldo Canyon fire has burned 15,324 acres, a 300 percent increase since yesterday. 1,000 firefighters now on line. U.S. highway 24 line is holding. One spot fire south of the road was extinguished. 26,000 local residents were evacuated yesterday alone.
Thunderstorms expected this afternoon with strong winds in varying directions.
No injuries reported to evacuees or firefighters.
Air quality is unhealthy, per public health. Stay inside. Entire county has the air quality problem.
No person of interest in possible arson cause for this fire.
Spot fire last night almost a half mile over Rampart Reservoir. Extinguished.
31,600 Colorado Springs residents now evacuated. No new evacuations at this time but it can change at any point.
No known fires on Air Force Academy grounds. Next press conference at 4 pm local time.
A rapid change in weather conditions late yesterday afternoon sent the Waldo Canyon wildfire roaring into Colorado Springs. In a matter of minutes, firefighters saw winds grow to 65 mph, pushing the fire past two separate firelines. Despite their efforts, the firestorm moved into the northwestern portions of the city of Colorado Springs. Additional evacuation orders were issued and by nightfall about 32,000 area residents had evacuated since the fire began on Saturday.
The 5:30 am situation report from the National Interagency Coordination Center showed 6,500 acres have burned. The fire is 5 percent contained, and the number of firefighters assigned has doubled in the last 24 hours to 764. Only one structure is reported lost, but film and photos from the fire scene clearly demonstrate that this number will increase with later reports.
The Air Force Academy ordered the evacuation of its housing subdivisions last night. The facility is closed today and only cadets and some military remain living on campus. Evacuees are being directed to nearby Fort Carson.
The Air Force Academy’s airfield is being used as a staging point for helicopters involved in the fire fight. Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs is being used by Air Force and Air National Guard C-130′s flying fire suppression missions.
Table of contents for Waldo Canyon Fire
- Colorado wildfires threaten more homes
- Waldo Canyon Fire Burns into Colorado Springs
- Waldo Canyon Fire Information Resources
- Military Aids Waldo Canyon Fire Efforts
- Waldo Canyon Fire Forces Academy Moves
- Firefighters Gain Ground in Colorado Fire
- Colorado Springs Begins Fire Recovery
- Gains Made on Waldo Canyon Fire
- Academy firefighters recognized for Waldo Canyon Fire efforts
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