Manilla Road Vegetation Fire

On May 16th, 2026, at approximately 14:15 Bennett-Watkins Fire Rescue and the east area department were dispatched to a reported vegetation fire in the 7000 block of Manilla Road near the Colorado Air and Space Port. Heavy black smoke could be seen for several miles. Crews arrived on scene to find a fairly large vegetation fire that spread to both sides of the road. Assistance was requested from several neighboring agencies. Crews were on scene almost three hours extinguishing the fire and mopping up hot spots. No injuries were reported and approximately 640 acres burned.

Units on Scene:

Bennett-Watkins: Chief 91, Battalion Chief 91, Brush Engine 91, Brush Engine 92, Brush Engine 94, Tender 91 & Tender 92

Byers Fire Protection District: Brush Engine 71 & Tender 71

Deer Trail Rural Fire Protection District: Brush 31, Brush Engine 31 & Tender 31

Sable Altura Fire Rescue: Brush 41, Brush 42 & Brush Engine 41

Strasburg Fire Protection District: Support 81, Brush 81 & Tender 81

Aurora Fire Rescue: Battalion 1, Engine 3, Engine 12, Brush 3, Brush 12 & Brush Engine 13

Buckley Space Force Fire & Emergency Services: Tender 8

Southeast Weld Fire Protection District: Brush 3901 & Brush 3902

South Metro Emergency Communications: IDT 30

Adams County Sheriff’s Office & Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office