The 117 wildfire burning south of Colorado Springs remains 40,892 acres and 60 percent contained after the third day of firefighting.
The fire first started Tuesday, destroying 23 homes and forcing the evacuation of about 1,000 residents. That night, El Paso County officials declared the wildfire a disaster, which allowed the state to take command of firefighters and cleared the way for additional state and federal resources.
The sheriff’s office said Thursday that winds were causing blowing ash. The National Weather Service has a red flag warning through 8 p.m. Thursday, warning of critical fire conditions.
Updated map of mile marker 117 fire outlined in black is area that is contained outlined in red is area that is still active fire.
— EPCSheriff (@EPCSheriff)
Air operations during the day had been postponed after a drone got in the area. The sheriff’s office said there is a temporary flight restriction in place for a 10-mile radius in all directions over Hanover, warning people that flying a drone during a wildfire can be deadly.
The air operations for the were postponed due to a drone incursion. There is still a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place for a ten mile radius in all directions over Hanover. Flying a drone during wildfire operations can be deadly.
— EPCSheriff (@EPCSheriff)