Crews called to fire near I-25 in north Colorado Springs

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- A fire burning near Interstate 25 in north Colorado Springs Thursday afternoon created a smoke plume visible from miles away.

The Colorado Department of Transportation said the fire is between Briargate Parkway and Interquest Parkway near northbound I-25. Nearby travelers are urged to use caution.

According to the U.S. Air Force Academy, firefighters received the initial call at 3:45 p.m. Air Force firefighters were on-scene by 4 p.m. They were aided by firefighters from Colorado Springs, Tri-Lakes, Falcon, and Westcott.

The USAFA says 17 firefighters and seven vehicles responded to the fire.

The fire caused a large backup of traffic in the northbound lanes, and CDOT said the southbound lanes were closed at about 4:10 p.m. By about 4:45 p.m., an official with the Air Force Academy said the fire was under control and traffic was expected to be moving again. CDOT said northbound travelers were being diverted to Briargate Parkway.

According to the USAFA, the fire-acre fire response ended at 6:30 p.m. and northbound I-25 traffic resumed.

No word on what caused the grass fire.