A small but worrisome wildfire flared up just southwest of Cheyenne Mountain State Park on Wednesday morning, triggering pre-evacuation warnings and a planned briefing from the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office. The blaze is centered near Rock Creek Canyon Road, and residents nearby were told to be ready to leave if conditions take a turn. Media were directed to stage at Pawnee and Comanche roads ahead of an update expected around 10 a.m.
Fire size and location
Crews from the Colorado Springs Fire Department responded early Wednesday and pegged the fire at roughly 5 acres, burning in heavy fuels west of State Highway 115. Officials cited a reference point about one-third of a mile north of 1350 Rock Creek Canyon Road, according to KKTV.
Media staging and morning briefing
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office told reporters to gather at Pawnee and Comanche roads and said a media briefing would be held at about 10 a.m., per the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office. The agency asked media to follow directions at the staging area so crews could focus on suppression and assessment work without added congestion.
Evacuation guidance for neighbors
Authorities issued a 1.5-mile pre-evacuation warning around Rock Creek Canyon Road and urged people in the area to be prepared to leave, according to The Gazette. For anyone who feels immediately threatened, the message from the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office was blunt: "If you are in danger, EVACUATE NOW." The advisory also encouraged those who need extra time or assistance to consider leaving early, a precaution noted by The Gazette.
Where this fits in the season
The Rock Creek fire comes as Colorado navigates an already intense wildfire season. The Aspen Acres Fire in Pueblo and Custer counties has burned more than 86,000 acres and forced large-scale evacuations, according to Denver7. State agencies have been urging residents to stay cautious during peak fire weather and to stick to local fire restrictions.
How to follow updates
Officials are asking neighbors to monitor the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office channels and the Colorado Springs Fire Department for the 10 a.m. briefing and any new directions. Residents are urged to follow instructions from emergency personnel on scene. For live updates, see the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office X post and local reporting from The Gazette and KKTV.
