Firefighters have slowed the spread of the 41,000-acre “MM 117 Fire” between Colorado Springs and Pueblo. The name comes from the mile marker on Interstate 25 near the point of origin.
The early reports indicated that 10 structures had burned, but officials have revised that to 23 residences, with 7 of them being unoccupied.
The state requested the Rocky Mountain Area Type 2 Incident Management Team Black, with Incident Commander Mark Hatcher, to manage the fire. They assumed command at 6 a.m. today (Thursday).
When the fire started Tuesday the wind was far too strong for any aircraft to assist firefighters, but Wednesday brought more favorable conditions allowing several contract air tankers and military helicopters to drop retardant and water.
Air tankers lined up to load at the Pueblo Tanker Base. They are supporting the #117Fire. pic.twitter.com/UYHDp2S2LY
— USFS_Pike&San Isabel (@PSICC_NF) April 18, 2018
Fire retardant being dropped on #117Fire. pic.twitter.com/11wyqYqV7U
— EPCSheriff (@EPCSheriff) April 18, 2018
