EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KKTV) – On Thursday morning, Sergeant Kurt Smith with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office provided an update on the Hammer Fire burning in the Hanover area of El Paso County, which expanded to nearly 5,000 acres overnight.
Evacuation and pre-evacuation notices have not changed. Firefighters are still dealing with active fire on the eastern and northern edges of the blaze.
High temperatures and wind are ongoing issues.
While first responders used aerial resources overnight, the fire is currently being fought on the ground.
Shelter is available at Hanover Junior/Senior High School and it will remain open until evacuation orders have been rescinded. No structures have been lost as of Thursday morning.
The Sheriff’s Office will continue evaluating evacuation orders through the day. Squirrel Creek Road has now re-opened.
Around 3:45 on Wednesday, the Sheriff’s Office received a report of a fire in the area of Hanover Road and Hammer Road. At the time of the report, the fire was estimated at between 100 to 200 acres.
Over the course of the afternoon, about 20 firefighting agencies responded to the blaze. Multiple law enforcement offices also responded to conduct evacuations when orders were aired.
The fire grew to almost 4,200 acres over the course of the afternoon.
The blaze prompted evacuation orders Wednesday evening. Past coverage is available here.
Copyright 2026 KKTV. All rights reserved.