Highway 24 fire contained, no structures lost
UPDATE: The Colorado Springs Fire Department says the fire near Highway 24 and Meridian Road close to Falcon was caused by an improperly disposed cigarette. It’s not clear if charges will be filed.
Earlier
El Paso County officials say crews continue to monitor hotspots left from the fire near Highway 24 and Meridian Road.
All people evacuated for safety due to the advancing flames have been allowed to return home. Containment is at 100 percent, but windy conditions Tuesday could present risks of embers flaring up.
Crews are focusing on two hot spots still burning and are monitoring the wind conditions. Extra crews are being called in to work on recovery efforts.
Authorities say about 380 acres burned, close to 200 homes were evacuated in the area and crews are still working to figure out the total number of evacuees. Initial estimates placed the fire’s size at around 280 acres.
“I was scared more for the animals,” said Mark Knight, an evacuee living right across the street from the burn scars. “We packed up our three horses, four dogs, chickens… everything.”
Hotspots and a large amount of firefighting equipment along roads delayed their return until about 10:15 p.m. Close to 200 homes’ residents were impacted by evacuations.
“It’s so scary, you just have to be careful,” said Knight. “This could be major damage to somebody’s life and property.”
The El Paso County Office of Emergency Management sent out their final update at 10:20, reading:
“El Paso County Sheriff’s Office has posted evacuations lifted. Residents in the Falcon Fire area can now return to their homes. Fire patrol and mop up operations will continue overnight. Winds are expected around midnight as a cold front moves through the area. Please continue to be watchful and report any hot spots immediately.”
Earlier:
First responders are working to extinguish a large wildfire at Highway 24 and Constitution Ave. that broke out Monday afternoon in Colorado Springs shortly after crews responded to a small fire at Palmer Park.
Smoke from the Constitution Ave. fire could be seen from our tower camera at Cheyenne Mountain after it started around 5 p.m. just off of Highway 24.
Several structures are in the area, but El Paso County officials said at 7:30 p.m. Monday, no structures had been lost as firefighters worked on defending houses.
Officials said the fire burned at least 280 acres by 7:30 p.m. The fire wasn’t contained but its growth was slowed as equipment cut fire lines into the grass. At 8:30 p.m., officials didn’t have an estimated time to contain the fire.
Evacuations were ordered near Meridian & Blaney Road, according to emergency dispatch traffic. ( MAP ) The Red Cross has set up an evacuation center at Patriot Learning Center at 11990 Swingline Road, according to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office. The Pikes Peak Humane Society took about eight llamas to the El Paso County Fairgrounds in Calhan, and other animals can be taken to the fairgrounds as needed.
About 280 residents are in the affected area. An emergency spokesperson said if you see flames approaching your home, you should evacuate and not wait for an official order.
Falcon Fire Department said smoke was drifting near houses east of the fire and added that residents with respiratory problems should stay indoors.
The Falcon and Colorado Springs fire departments had multiple engines at the scene. Many more agencies in the area sent engines and trucks to help. Helicopters were called in to airdrop water on the fire. (PHOTOS)
The fire at Palmer Park burned about an acre, officials told KRDO crew at the scene. Parts of the park were closed off while firefighters set up a perimeter near the south side. That fire was mostly handled by about 5:45 p.m.
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
