Colorado Springs Wildland Fire

Photo Courtesy of the Colorado Springs Fire Department

At 05:09 on April 6th, 2024 the Colorado Springs Public Safety Communications Center dispatched the Colorado Springs Fire Department to the area of I-25 and the Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) by-pass for a possible grass fire. Once Engine 4 arrived on scene they advised there was approximately one acre of light and flashy fuels on fire with 3-foot-tall flames and requested a Working Wildland Fire Assignment. Engine 4 established Union Command and updated the incident location to S. Union Blvd. and the MLK Jr. by-pass. Command updated Battalion Chief 1 the fire had a moderate rate of spread towards a group of trees, driven by the heavy winds. Command also advised it was unknown if transient camps were involved at this time. Once additional units began to arrive, Engine 1 respond along S. Union Blvd. to create a perimeter along the Eastern exposure. Engine 4, Wildland 4, Brush 13 began fire attack, while Engine 13 support fire attack group and acted as a water shuttle. Once Engine 3 and Brush 3 arrived in the area, Engine 3 staged at Command’s location, while Brush 3 joined fire attack group. Command then requested Colorado Springs Police Department respond to the scene for traffic control. Command then requested a truck company respond to aid in gaining access to the field that was on scene. Brush 13 and Wildland 4 were able to gain access with bolt cutters and canceled Truck 8. While crews continued to attack the fire, wind again to pick up again accelerating rate of spread and a 2nd Alarm assignment was requested. Due to proximity of the transient camp a fire investigator was requested to respond to the scene. At 06:02 the fire was called under control and crews began to mop-up the area involved. The fire was able to be contained to approximately 2 acres; no injuries were reported by civilians or responders. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Colorado Springs Fire Department, Division of the Fire Marshal.

Grass Fire Assignment: Engine 4

Working Wildland Fire Assignment: Battalion Chief 1, Engine 1, Engine 3, Engine 13, Brush 3 & Brush 13

1st Special Call: Wildland 4

2nd Special: Truck 8 (Canceled)

3rd Special Call: Special Ops 52

2nd Alarm Assignment: Engine 8 (Canceled), Engine 11, Brush 11 & Truck 8 (Canceled)

4th Special Call: Engine 23 (Canceled)

Colorado Springs Police Department.

Photo Courtesy of the Colorado Springs Fire Department

Photo Courtesy of the Colorado Springs Fire Department