High winds spread fires throughout southern Colorado

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) - High winds across the state have caused a number of issues over the past few days, and in southern Colorado, some of these issues are continuing into the weekend.

In Colorado Springs, the intersection at Jamboree and Academy is back open after being closed for several hours on Friday because of a traffic light that had fallen from the wind. Police said that fallen signal damaged a citizen vehicle.

In Jefferson County, the first show of the season at Red Rocks Amphitheater was postponed. The music venue and town of Morrison were on pre-evacuation notice as firefighters worked to contain the Hogback Fire. As of Friday night, those pre-evacuation orders had been lifted.

In Teller and Park Counties, many residents are still evacuated due to the 403 Fire that first ignited Thursday. As of Friday night, that fire had reached 1,205 acres. The Red Cross is currently in Teller County helping people impacted by the 403 Fire. At Woodland Park Community Church, cots are set up and they’re stocked with food. They are accepting donations for the responders.

“It’s completely excellent knowing that the community can rally together for members of their own community,” shelter supervisor for the American Red Cross Jim Boardman said.

Residents have been coming to the Florissant Grange for the last 36 hours to get information about the 403 Fire and to have reassurance from familiar faces.

“We just smile a lot, tell a lot of jokes, tell a lot of stories, everything is fine, we aren’t in any trouble here,” Master of Florissant Grange Alan Caldwell said.

Both the Woodland Park Community Church and the Florissant Grange will be accepting donations, and Caldwell said they will stay there for the community until the fire is out.

Copyright 2023 KKTV. All rights reserved.