Update: Wildfire burns 175 acres; outbuildings lost

Posted: Mar 31, 2010 4:15 PM by Bea Karnes, News First 5
Updated: Mar 31, 2010 4:15 PM

A wind-whipped grass fire in eastern El Paso County has burned outbuildings, such as sheds or barns, but no homes have been lost. The fire has already burned 175 acres, and continues to tear-through fields. Firefighters report 70-percent containment. Residents in the path of the flames have been warned to evacuate.

No injuries have been reported, and no animals lost. There are animals running wild in the area, having been let loose by owners to keep them from being trapped in outbuildings as flames approached.

The fire started in Falcon at the intersection of Dodge and Garrett Roads, but has now spread about a mile down Highway 24.

Fire crews from the county and city are battling the fire--seven agencies in all. They're making stands as it approaches each home.

The wind is gusting over 40 MPH in the area.

Several roads have been shut down, including Highway 24.

A spark from a transformer started the wildfire.

New First 5 has two crews at the scene.