ℹ️ General Information
Question: I heard there was a fire and possible evacuation at the U.S. Air Force Academy. What’s happening?
Answer: A brush fire began here at approximately 1 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024. Two divisions from the U.S. Air Force Academy and Colorado Springs fire departments responded to the fire located west of the Pine Valley Housing Area and on the eastern border of Pikes National Forest. The fire is approximately 170 acres. No homes are in danger at this time; however, pre-evacuation instructions are being disseminated. Fire engines are stationed at the water treatment and power plants to prevent damage. Guests and residents are asked to avoid the area and follow instructions from first responders. More information will be released as it becomes available.
Question: If I’m looking for current information on this fire, where should I go for information?
Answer: Follow our official social media accounts “AF_Academy” and this website for current, publicly released information.
Question: Is the U.S. Air Force Academy open to visitors right now?
Answer: No, the Academy is only open to DoD ID cardholders. Additionally, the Visitor Center will be closed.
🏘️ Housing Residents
Question: What is the notification system to instruct residents to evacuate?
Answer: Residents will receive notification from Hunt Housing, the Giant Voice will announce it, and the 10th Security Forces Squadron, in conjunction with Hunt Housing, will go door-to-door to ensure all housing residents receive the evacuation notice.
Question: If I live in Douglass Valley or Pine Valley on-base housing, should I be worried about evacuation?
Answer: There is a pre-evacuation notice for Douglass Valley and Pine Valley housing residents only at this time.
Question: What does pre-evacuation mean?
Answer: Pre-evacuation is informational only and is not a mandated evacuation order. Residents in the pre-evacuation notice area must be prepared for a short notice evacuation if official notification for evacuation occurs.
Question: What should I do now while there is a pre-evacuation notice?
Answer: Those in the affected area should keep the following information in mind:
You need to act immediately to prepare to leave.
If you need transportation assistance, arrange it now.
If you need additional time to evacuate, arrange it now.
Question: What should I have on hand if I have to evacuate my residents on the U.S. Air Force Academy?
Answer: Those in the affected area should keep the following items with them if a mandatory evacuation occurs:
Prescription medications.
Portable emergency and first aid kits.
Vital documents (birth certificates, social security card, insurance documents, etc.).
Pet vaccination and health records, kennels, and prescriptions.
Ensure renter’s insurance is current and up to date.
Continue listening to local radio, television or the official agency social media outlets for further instructions.
Question: What if I am staying in the Temporary Lodging Facility (TLF)? How will I get notified?
Answer: The Academy’s TLF residents have received pre-evacuation notices. In the event of a mandatory evacuation, the 10th Security Forces Squadron will come door-to-door and ensure all residents receive the evacuation notice. TLF residents will evacuate to the Rampart Lodge at 3130 Academy Drive. The 10th Force Support Squadron will release more information as it becomes available.
📚 Schools
Question: Is there any impact to students who attend Air Academy High?
Answer: Yes, Air Academy High is doing online learning ONLY on Monday, Feb. 26.
🐴 10th Force Support Squadron Facilities
Question: What if I have horses at the stables? Should I evacuate them?
Answer: Horse stable evacuation is not mandatory at this time. Residents may want to consider evacuating their horses in a “safer than sorry” approach. There are stables available off-base for emergency evacuations. Please contact the 10th FSS for more information.