Moderate Risk Colorado  ·  Wildfire / Tornado

El Paso County CO

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & DISASTER RISK PROFILE  ·  LAST UPDATED: Mar 2026

6/ 10
Threat Score
Population
730,395
Area
2130
sq miles
Primary Hazard
Wildfire / Tornado
FEMA Disasters
30
federally declared

El Paso County and Colorado Springs have been repeatedly threatened by catastrophic wildfires. The Waldo Canyon Fire in 2012 destroyed 347 homes and killed 2 people — the most destructive fire in Colorado history at that time. The Black Forest Fire in 2013 then broke that record. The county's forested hillsides bordering Pikes Peak and Fort Carson military base create serious wildland-urban interface fire risk.

// Preparedness Recommendations

  • Identify an interior room or storm shelter.
  • Monitor NOAA weather alerts continuously.
  • Keep emergency kit accessible at all times.
  • Prepare for sudden power outages.

// Recommended Supplies

Essential gear for power outages, severe weather, and emergency situations in your area.

// Risk Intelligence

Threat Score 6 / 10    Moderate Risk
Primary Hazard Wildfire / Tornado
Secondary Hazard Flash Flooding
FEMA Flood Zone Zone X (Moderate Risk)
Federally Declared Disasters 30
Last Major Event Waldo Canyon Fire (2012)
Event Frequency Major event every 4–6 years

// Emergency Operations

Emergency Mgmt Phone (719) 520-7100
Emergency Shelters 24 designated facilities
Evacuation Routes I-25 North, I-25 South, US-24 West, US-24 East

// County Profile

County El Paso County CO
State Colorado (CO)
Population 730,395
Area 2130 sq miles
FEMA Region Zone X (Moderate Risk)

// Major Cities

Cheyenne Mountain CO Peterson AFB CO Schriever AFB CO Security-Widefield CO Monument CO Palmer Lake CO Fountain CO Colorado Springs CO

// Cities in This County

// Other Colorado Counties

// Nearby Infrastructure Risks

Critical infrastructure facilities within or near this area that could affect civilian safety during emergencies, conflict, or infrastructure failures.

💣
Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station CO
Nuclear Weapons  ·  Colorado Springs  ·  US Space Force / NORAD  ·  25-mi risk zone
9/10 Critical
Peterson Space Force Base CO
Military Installation  ·  Colorado Springs  ·  US Space Force / US Northern Command  ·  25-mi risk zone
8/10 High
Schriever Space Force Base CO
Military Installation  ·  Colorado Springs, CO  ·  US Space Force  ·  25-mi risk zone
7/10 High
Fort Carson CO
Military Installation  ·  Colorado Springs, CO  ·  US Army  ·  25-mi risk zone
6/10 Moderate
Martin Drake Power Plant Colorado Springs CO
Power Plant  ·  Colorado Springs, CO  ·  Colorado Springs Utilities  ·  5-mi risk zone
5/10 Moderate

Infrastructure risk data is for emergency preparedness awareness. Facility locations are publicly known. Always follow official emergency guidance.