Colorado Springs Mayor emphasizes dangers of illegal camping as officers make arson arrest for Garden of Gods Fire

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) - In social media posts Mayor Yemi Mobolade says the number one cause of wildfires in Colorado Springs is arson and the fire department has already responded to 183 homeless fires in just 73 days.

Thanks to several dozen 911 calls, the fire only burned 20 acres near Garden of the Gods and was able to be tackled in less than an hour. Before fire crews even left the scene that evening. Colorado Springs Police had someone in custody.

Officers say they arrested Ted Adam Gilmour-- who is now facing fourth-degree arson charges. In a 911 call police say the caller said they saw someone fleeing the area... Near that fire.

Gilmour has a criminal history wth several previous charges including arson in 2021Mayor Mobolade took to X to emphasize his message of homeless encampment enforcement.

In a post, he mentioned last year the fire department responded to 419 fires involving the unhoused. He added to the post by saying:

“While we are diligent in our efforts to connect individuals to the services they need, it is equally important that we hold everyone accountable to the rule of law...”

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