Evacuations Ordered as Grass Fire Erupts Near Colorado Springs Airport

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – Evacuations have been ordered for residents near the Colorado Springs Airport as a grass fire ignited Thursday afternoon. Emergency alerts were issued for individuals in the zone stretching from Gusty Bluffs Point and Meridian Road north to Highway 94, and east to the borders of Schriever Space Force Base in Ellicott.

The Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) confirmed that residents in the evacuation area, which includes Schriever Space Force Base, must leave the premises immediately. Multiple crews are currently responding to the fire, reported at the intersection of South Meridian and Drennan Roads around 1 p.m. local time.

Smoke plumes were visible throughout the area, although the exact size of the fire has not yet been determined. As the situation continues to develop, CSFD has urged the public to remain aware of emergency personnel on the scene.

According to initial reports, the fire may have started in the 4100 block of Hammer Ranch Road, adjacent to Meridian Road. A live camera feed from 11 News indicated substantial smoke signals across the landscape.

By 1:41 p.m., evacuation orders expanded to include residents along Franceville Coal Mine Road, from Davis Road to the east border of Schriever Space Force Base.

El Paso County and surrounding southeastern Colorado are currently subject to a red flag warning due to increased fire danger, attributed to high winds forecasted at 35 to 45 mph, with gusts reaching up to 65 mph. The National Weather Service in Pueblo noted that temperatures in Colorado Springs are expected to reach 65 degrees Thursday, significantly higher than the seasonal average.

This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.