Evacuations lifted following grass fire that threatened homes in Colorado Springs

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado — Colorado Springs firefighters are working to mop up following a fast-moving grass fire west of I-25 in Colorado Springs near Near King Street and Tonka Ave. People living along Friendship Lane were ordered to evacuate as the flames pushed near those properties.

As of 3:25 p.m., crews have gained control of the 4-5 acre fire and are currently checking for any possible hot spots. All evacuation orders for the neighborhood have been lifted.

If you live in the area, expect to see Colorado Springs Police Department officers working to control traffic to assist with firefighting efforts. Everyone is advised to avoid the area.

The neighborhood impacted is just southwest of the intersection of W Fillmore St. and Mesa Rd on the west side of Colorado Springs. The fire appears to have quickly spread through a valley within the neighborhood.

There are no reports of injuries or structures damaged at this time.

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According to the Colorado Springs Fire Department, the fire danger for today is considered moderate with humidity at 32% and winds at 5 miles an hour or less.

The City of Colorado Springs is currently under a burn restriction order which took effect on September 13 and is in effect until rescinded.

Under the order, the following are prohibited within the City of Colorado Springs:

• Any type of fire, whether open or contained, on any undeveloped wildland areas, brushy areas, or grassy areas
• Recreational fires
• Bonfires
• Open or prescribed burns
• Outdoor smoking in all city parks and open spaces
• Small internal combustion engines operated without a properly installed, maintained, and functioning spark arrestor
• Recreational fireworks/devices requiring ignition such as sparklers, snakes, aerials, comets, flares, flyers, fountains, missiles, mortars, spinners, punks, rockets, shells, etc. (PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES)
• Trash/rubbish burning (prohibited at all times)

Under the order, the following are allowed within the City of Colorado Springs:

• Select pyrotechnic or commercial activities when permitted by Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD)
• Hot work activities such as welding, brazing, blasting, and torching in forested or grassy areas when permitted by CSFD
• Outdoor smoking ONLY in designated areas and disposal of smoking materials is in a non-combustible container with a secured lid (smoking is prohibited in all city owned parks and open spaces)
• Model rockets when permitted by CSFD
• Outdoor fireplaces and outdoor appliances within developed areas
  
  • Shall maintain a minimum clearance of 15’ between the fireplace or appliance and all combustible structures, fences, and/or vegetation (No clearance requirements for permanent outdoor fireplaces or appliances installed in accordance with the currently adopted International Mechanical Code.)
  • Shall ONLY be fueled by wood, pellets, charcoal, liquid propane (LPG), or natural gas o Shall utilize spark arrestors when fueled by wood, pellets, or charcoal
  • Shall constantly be attended by a capable adult with a means of complete extinguishment
• Cooking devices intended for outdoor use, fueled by solid materials (wood, pellets, or charcoal) and/or liquid propane (LPG), natural gas, or liquid fuel WITHIN DEVELOPED AREAS:
  
  • Shall maintain a minimum clearance of 15’ between the device and all combustible structures, fences, and/or vegetation (No clearance requirements for permanent outdoor cooking appliances installed in accordance with the currently adopted International Mechanical Code.)
  • Shall constantly be attended by a capable adult with a means of complete extinguishment
  • Shall dispose of waste (residue from wood, pellets, or charcoal) in non-combustible containers with lids tightly secured

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