Over 7,000 people have been evacuated from their homes in Manitou Springs as well as sections of the west side of Colorado Springs. Dry conditions, low humidity, and gusty winds will make it hard to contain this fire today although several agencies are doing what they can.

The fire is still a few miles from us and not heading this direction at this point, but we are watching conditions closely and are ready if evacuation becomes necessary.

The fire has mainly taken forest land so far, but I have to feel for the wildlife whose lives and homes are being destroyed. Someone took pictures of a bear wandering the streets in Old Colorado City....so sad.

More information will come to light as time goes on, but it's suspected this is the work of an arsonist. He or she tried to set off 20 fires in this county in the past week, all put out quickly. Unfortunately, it seems this person was "successful" this time....and may strike again. Terrible situation....

Update: Just got word there is another mandatory evacuation in effect for three towns in Ute Pass - Cascade, Chipita Park, and Green Mountain Falls which is a couple miles from my town of Woodland Park. This is getting very scary....positive thoughts and prayers for our area appreciated...

FURTHER UPDATE: We are packing the vehicles and getting out of town....wish us luck! Prayers please...

FURTHER UPDATE 2: What a long day it's been, a real roller coaster ride....and totally exhausting. We're home but the vehicles are still packed and ready to go at a moment's notice. However, conditions seem to be a bit better this evening than during the day. Thanks, friends, for your caring, support, good thoughts and prayers. Helped me get through the day :))

How awful that someone feels the need to create such distraction... I would imagine that the air around you isn't very good for breathing, take care! I they get it under control before it gets to any homes. Thanks for the update. DancingDolphin · 2012-06-24: 09:13

it's so sad. kwibusje · 2012-06-24: 09:20

Blimey, hope they can get it under control soon. Here's wishing you all the best. Jarvo · 2012-06-24: 09:32

we do this! be sure Marsha!our thoughts are with you and your Family. gonia · 2012-06-24: 09:40

So sad to look at !! finbarr · 2012-06-24: 09:44

so sorry about this, how scary. Ours were started by natural conditions, hard to believe someone would be so thoughtless as to other folks lives and start them on purpose. My prayers are with you all. urmysunshine · 2012-06-24: 09:47

Oui nous pensons bien à vous, courage et espoir, que ceci soit vite maitrisé !!! maudlaurens · 2012-06-24: 09:48

Your pictures are incredible. So sad and so scary! Feel so helpless..nothing to do, but watch the news and see if we are next ones to evacuate. lifeisgood · 2012-06-24: 09:53

Prayers and Positive thoughts to you for a quick solution. May it be contained soon and all who are fighting it be safe. Stay safe my friend. Shots are nicely taken and quite scary. karmankwarner · 2012-06-24: 11:12

Sending you my strongest positive thoughts and energy ((((Marsha))))) If you have to go, please text or call my cell or something. Going to be very worried. liveandletlive · 2012-06-24: 11:28

Impressive!!! miclaud · 2012-06-24: 12:01

I am worried about this situation. My prayers are with you, Marsha! JumiElla · 2012-06-24: 12:49

That just sucks that you have nothing better to do than that, I hope they catch them be safe Marsha and Family mystic1 · 2012-06-24: 13:09

Worrying about you having seen these latest shots. I'm relieved that you are ready to move at any time. Let's hope that isn't necessary. Please try and stay positive. SADHYA · 2012-06-24: 13:13

Hope all of you wil be safe and sound!! Ryana · 2012-06-24: 13:37

How sad that this was deliberately done by someone . Thoughts and prayers that the winds will calm and the fires put out without anymore damage. MoMac · 2012-06-24: 13:49

I feel really sorry for those evacuees...I wish them the best for future... Great photos. dottydaisy97 · 2012-06-24: 14:56

My fingers are crossed, sending positive thoughts and prayers!!!!! Be safe:)))) nssco50 · 2012-06-24: 18:10

Being from Australia, I'm no stranger to bush fires. I hope you and yours are safe. Take care. mazpics · 2012-06-24: 20:01

Great report Marsha stay safe digitalideas · 2012-06-24: 20:25

Praying for you! Be safe! CHOSSID · 2012-06-25: 00:06

Be safe my dear friend !! You will be in my thoughts and mind and wish you all the best! Will worry about you ((( MARSHA ))) Take good care xx EvaLizette · 2012-06-25: 04:02

You are in my thoughts and prayers. InaLina · 2012-06-25: 04:07

Marsha, you have been in our thoughts and prayers since we first heard..I know this must be SO exhausting and scary. We were scared when a fire was across the road and just up the mountain from our campground too a couple years ago..I can't imagine it being my own home! Love you. Thanks for the update! NellyBly · 2012-06-25: 09:39

I have been so worried about you and Cliff!! I sent you a message on FB.. We don't have TV anymore due to the 2 tornados taking out our antenna. We truned on the radio this morning to find out fires are right by you!! be safe be ready to roll at a moments notice!! Keep us updated PLEASE!! Prayin for you, Cliff and Woodland Park!! SheriJ · 2012-06-25: 11:58

I've been following the news online as well, what a terrible situation. I came back to check on you and see that you have some updates, thanks for keeping us posted! Stay safe! Prayers for you and everyone there. DancingDolphin · 2012-06-25: 13:58

Positive thoughts your way! I hope not many homes lost from this fire. Stay safe! mwbergeron01 · 2012-06-25: 18:26

Keeping everything crossed for you.... :-) girafferacing · 2012-06-25: 18:36

How scary! Sounds like you're taking precautions and planing for contingencies. We'll pray for your safety and judgement in a very difficult situation! lgnelson · 2012-06-25: 22:54

im with you goolikhash · 2012-06-26: 03:11

OMG... I heard about these fires in the news and it looks really bad, glad you could stay at your house, after all these troubles and worries. I know how it is, we have often fires here in summer and many houses and animals burnt. I really hope this nightmare is over soon!! Thinking of you and all the people in danger! Unchained · 2012-06-26: 11:18

oh dear this is scary! i hope rain comes for you! littemissriri · 2012-06-27: 10:01