Skip to Content

Homeless camp starts grass fire at Academy and Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Crews were called to a grass fire just south of the Academy Boulevard and Pikes Peak Avenue intersection at around 5 p.m. Wednesday.

In an update at 5:40 p.m., police said the fire had been put out and two lanes of southbound Academy in the area reopened.

Firefighters said the fire started in a wooded area that was once a bird sanctuary, and burned less than an acre. No structures are in the area.

"It started in a homeless camp," said Lt. Richard Valdez. "It spread quickly in the dry grass and with the windy conditions. But our fire station is just a few blocks away, so we could respond quickly and extinguish the fire in less than 10 minutes."

Valdez said fires started by homeless camps in the area aren't uncommon.

"We're familiar with the area and know how to work around the thick brush and a winding creek through here," he said.

Academy was closed southbound at Pikes Peak for about half an hour. No injuries were reported but a witness said one person was taken away by ambulance as a precaution.

Article Topic Follows: Top Stories

Jump to comments ↓

Suzie Ziegler

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KRDO NewsChannel 13 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content