More #BlackForestFire Areas Downgraded; ‘Convenience Center’ to Open

Homes with Highway 83 address that have direct access off Hwy 83 are now on pre-evacuation status. Residents trying to reenter will need to show their driver’s license or vehicle registration. Residents are encouraged to leave heavy equipment alone. Please do not remove the flags on your property. Those are a signal to first responders the area has been cleared for reentry.


El Paso County Public Health is opening what it's calling a Public Health Convenience Center for those returning home as mandatory evacuation areas are downgraded to pre-evacuation status. Water testing kits, tetanus vaccinations, and public health information is available for residents while supplies last.

The Center will open Thursday, June 20th at the Classical Academy’s East Campus, 12201 Cross Peak View, in Colorado Springs. That's located just west of the Pikes Peak Community College Rampart Range campus and east of New Life Church. Hours of operation are 10-2 Thursday and Friday, with additional hours to be announced based on availability of supplies.

Hours of operation will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday and Friday, with hours to be announced based on availability of supplies.

Public Health will offer the following services while supplies last:

- Water testing kits. Test kits can be picked up and dropped off at the Public Health Convenience Center (PHCC) no later than 1 p.m. or at the El Paso County Public Health Laboratory, 1675 W. Garden of the Gods Rd. (second floor) no later than 4 p.m. Return your sample the same day you collect it. Water testing fees will be waived for Black Forest residents who live in evacuated areas.

- Vaccine clinics: Free tetanus (TDAP) vaccination or booster (TD) will be provided. Tetanus is a preventable disease that, if contracted, affects the body’s central nervous system. The bacteria that cause tetanus are usually found in soil, dust and manure and enter the body through cuts or puncture wounds caused by contaminated objects, such as nails and splinters. During an emergency, tetanus is recommended for impacted residents or first responders who have not had a documented dose within the past five years.

The County says water wells in areas with no evidence of burn damage are likely safe, but the water kits are available for anyone concerned with the safety of their water.


Earlier today, the following areas were also downgraded:

The following roads west of Vollmer Road are now on pre-evacuation status and residents can go home.
• Lakeview Drive
• Ponderosa Road
• Freeman Drive
• Woodcrest Drive
• Cyprus Road
• Ponderosa Springs Point

Residents should access the area from the north off Hodgen Road via Herring Road or Vollmer.

Residents trying to reenter will need to show their driver’s license or vehicle registration. Residents are encouraged to leave heavy equipment alone. Please do not remove the flags on your property. Those are a signal to first responders the area has been cleared for reentry.