The fire is burning approximately three miles south of Lake George on the Pike National Forest, approximately 2 miles North of 11 Mile Reservoir in Park County.

The 11 Mile Canyon Recreation Area is closed and has been evacuated. According to the U.S. Forest Service, more than 200 residents have been evacuated from the area.

According to our news partners KOAA, County roads 96 and 92 at Highway 24 are closed and evacuations have been ordered for the Park and Teller counties.

Teller County: Mandatory evacuations for Wilson Lakes Estates, Forest Glenn Sports Association, and Blue Mountain Estates.

Park County: Mandatory evacuations for Wagon Tongue, Echo Valley, Circle C Ranch, and Beaver Ranch.

Lake George and Indian Paintbrush are under pre-evacuation orders.

Residents living on County road 403 and 98 are urged to leave immediately.

Summit Elementary School in Divide is serving as the evacuation center.

Large animals should go to the Teller County Fairgrounds in Cripple Creek is accepting large animals.

According to KOAA, several witnesses reported seeing someone fire shots at a propane tank, which caused an explosion. Pike National Forest officials will not confirm that. They will only say they are investigating the incident.

View approximate map here

More than 40 firefighters are assigned to the Springer Fire. At least four heavy air tankers. Five single-engine air tankers and several helicopters are working to contain the blaze.

Smoke from the fire is visible from the metro area.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. 

According to the U.S. Forest Service numerous homes and cabins are being threatened by the fire.  

Smoke is expected to settle into Colorado Springs and will remain in the air for days, according to officials. 

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