24 Fire Spreads to 4,600 Acres as Officials Hope for Better Weather Sunday
Ongoing Wildfire in Fremont County
A wildfire burning between Colorado Springs and Penrose continues to grow, with the 24 Fire now covering just under 4,600 acres as of Sunday morning. The fire has been a significant concern for local authorities and residents, with ongoing efforts to contain its spread.
Fort Carson announced the updated size of the fire, which remains at 0% containment. Despite this, the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office expressed optimism, noting a shift in wind direction and cooler temperatures that could help firefighters make progress.
“Overnight crews made good progress,” the sheriff’s office said. “With winds expected to shift east and cooler temperatures in the forecast, today’s conditions should support continued efforts to gain ground on the fire.”
The exact cause of the increase in size is not yet clear, as it is uncertain whether the new number reflects new growth or more accurate mapping from previous days. However, the fire is still largely contained within Fort Carson grounds, approximately 20 miles south of the main post.
Evacuation and pre-evacuation orders remain in effect, with Highway 115 closed from Rock Creek Canyon Road to mile marker 18, located three miles north of Penrose. No structures have been reported damaged so far, but the situation remains closely monitored.
“We are profoundly grateful to our partners and the local community for the outpouring of support Fort Carson Fire [Department] has received since the fire began Wednesday along the east side of Highway 115 and jumped onto Fort Carson Wednesday morning,” a Fort Carson official said.
Aerial support, including two heavy aircraft and two super scoopers, is being used alongside 170 firefighters from local, regional, and state partners. Ground crews are continuing to make progress on control lines and extinguishing hot spots.
Firefighting Efforts Intensify
On Saturday, heavy aerial and ground firefighting operations resumed as crews worked to bring the 24 Fire under control. The fire, which sparked near mile marker 24 on Highway 115, had grown to nearly 2,000 acres by Saturday evening.
High winds and temperatures in the high 80s contributed to increased fire activity, pushing the fire to the east. Despite these challenges, officials emphasized that the fire has not crossed Highway 115.
Another pre-evacuation notice was issued on Saturday, prompting questions about whether it relates to the 24 Fire or a separate incident. Firefighters are using ignition ops, a tactic involving controlled burns to create containment lines, as part of their strategy.
Most of the fire is burning on Fort Carson grounds, though it has prompted evacuations for about 50-55 homes located 2 miles around County Road F45 and State Highway 115. A 3-mile pre-evacuation notice has also been issued for the surrounding area.
Residents, pets, and livestock can evacuate to Pathfinder Park in Florence. For more information, the public can call 719-276-7421.
Initial Fire Spread and Response
The fire first broke containment lines and moved onto Fort Carson land, according to a Fort Carson official. It was reported by Fremont County Emergency Management just before 10 a.m. on Wednesday, burning off of Highway 115 near mile marker 24.
As of 4 p.m. Friday, the fire had grown to about 1,067 acres, with zero containment. Highway 115 was closed from mile marker 18 to mile marker 39, with no estimated time for the road to reopen.
Crews focused on preventing the fire from crossing to the west side of Highway 115, where about 50 homes and other buildings are located. Fort Carson led the response, with multiple agencies providing aid.
No injuries or damages to structures had been reported as of the Friday update. Smoke from the fire was visible in Colorado Springs due to wind shifts, prompting the Colorado Springs Fire Department to assist through the Pikes Peak Mutual Aid Strike Team.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. As the situation evolves, updates will continue to be provided to the public.
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