A fire burning in the Highland Lakes area northwest of Divide prompted pre-evacuation and evacuation orders Monday night in Teller County, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

The fire, named the “Highland Lakes fire,” was estimated to be around 90 to 97 acres with 0% containment, according to Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell. 

In a 7 p.m. update, Sheriff Mikesell said the fire threatened about 700 homes, valuing more than $300 million. About 2,100 people have been displaced, and one structure was destroyed as of Monday night.

No injuries were reported but some were treated for smoke inhalation, according to a 9 p.m. update from the sheriff. 

Areas under a mandatory evacuation order are Cedar Mountain North to Golden Bell, Wayward Wind, Snowhill, Aspen Village, Broken Wheel, Alpine View, Beaver Lake Circle, Beaver Lake Place and Star View Trail.

Multiple fire agencies responded, and the Sheriff’s Office declared a local disaster emergency and is in contact with Gov. Jared Polis, according to Sheriff Mikesell.

According to the sheriff, the fire was human caused but remained under investigation. “We are looking at criminal charges,” Sheriff Mikesell said. 

Residents were asked to avoid County Road 5, and an evacuation center has been set up at the Woodland Park Community Church located at 800 Valley View Dr. in Woodland Park. 

The Sheriff’s Office expects to ‘get a handle’ on the fire Tuesday.

Amid the fire, Teller County upgraded its existing fire ban to a Stage 3 fire ban. This means open burning in banned on private and public lands in the county. 

Due to the fire, the Woodland Park School District RE-2 announced the Summit and Columbine campuses will be closed Tuesday. Students in grades 7 through 12 will have a remote learning day. 

Follow the Teller County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page and Peak Alerts for immediate updates about the fire. 

The following areas are under an evacuation order:

Cedar Mountain North to Golden Bell

Wayward Wind

Snowhill

Aspen Village

Broken Wheel

Alpine View

Beaver Lake Circle

Beaver Lake Place

Star View Trail

The following areas are under a pre evacuation warning:

Aspen Moor

Spring Valley subdivisions 

County Road 51, both sides from County Road 5 to County Road 512

Grand View subdivision

County Road 5 north of County Road 51, both sides

County Road 5 south of County Road 51, west side only

Forest Service Road 357, both sides

Copper Lake Drive

Buck Lake Drive