Colorado fire crews get 60% containment on Highland Lake Fire burning in Teller County

The Highland Lake Fire has burned 166 acres and was 60% contained as of Tuesday evening. Rain in the burn area in the morning helped firefighters as well as firefighting helicopters that were sent in by Colorado state officials. The wildfire burning near Divide started with a house fire on Monday and spread, and it has forced evacuations in parts of Teller County. 

The Teller County Sheriff's Office said they are treating the investigation into the fire as a criminal act and are considering arson charges. 

Teller County has declared a local disaster emergency. The evacuation area includes about 700 homes, and other homes are on a pre-evacuation warning.

A shelter was set up for evacuees at Woodland Park Community Church in Woodland Park. It is located at 800 Valley View Drive. People with large animals who have to evacuate were being allowed to take them to the Teller County Fairgrounds in Cripple Creek.

The evacuation area includes 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.

The area under pre-evacuation orders includes homes along County Road 5 near Divide and parts of the homes along County Road 51.