Penley Fire

At 16:22 on July 26th, 2026 Douglas Regional 911 Communications Center dispatched West Douglas County Fire Protection District to a vegetation fire at 2589 N. Hwy. 67 in Sedalia. Upon arrival, crews located a slow-moving fire burning in heavy fuels, in a remote area and in steep and rough terrain about 5 miles west of Sedalia near the Rainbow Creek Community. Additional crews were dispatched, which had a 30-minute, uphill hike in to the area. The Douglas County helicopter 5TA made numerous water drops throughout the afternoon and evening supported by a direct fill tender shuttle. Crews worked until nightfall and resumed at sun-up on July 27th, 2026. Two helicopters were the only way to deliver water to the fire location, which also included a state helicopter; which completed numerous water drops. More than 125 firefighters, from 10 agencies worked to contain the blaze and protecting structures. Per the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, evacuations were set at Stage 3, within 2 miles of the fire location, but weather and fire condition observations later allowed the evacuation area to be scaled back to a warning zone. By 15:00 on July 27th, 2026, all restrictions were lifted and people were allowed to return to their homes. As of July 28th, 2026 the fire remains at 3 acres and 90% contained, with no fire growth. Crews are focused on increasing containment, conducting mop-up operations, and strengthening control lines. No injuries were reported. Additional information provided by Douglas County Sheriff’s Office

Units on Scene:

West Douglas County: Chief 131, Chief 132, Brush 132, Engine 132, Tender 132, Brush 133, Engine 133, Brush 134 & Engine 134

South Metro Fire Rescue: District 1, Battalion 1, Battalion 2, Safety 1, Med 1, Brush 16, Brush 17, Brush 36, Brush 46, Brush Engine 20, Brush Engine 39, Brush Engine 41, Medic 36, Logistics 10 & PIO 14

West Metro Fire Rescue: Wildland 1 & Brush 15

Larkspur Fire Protection District: Tender 162 (Tender 165)

Castle Rock Fire & Rescue: Battalion 151, Chief 151, Brush 151, Engine 154, Medic 151, Medic 154 & Brush 155

Franktown Fire Protection District: Tender 184

Jackson 105 Fire Protection District: Tender 142 & Tender 143

 Elbert Fire Protection District: Squad 233

Aurora Fire Rescue: Battalion 3, Engine 13, Brush 13, Engine 15 & Brush 15

South Metro Fire Communications: IDT 2, IDT 11 & IDT 12

Douglas County Office of Emergency Management (OEM): Helicopter 5TA (N205TA)

Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control & Douglas County Park Rangers