An update on the ongoing 24 Fire was shared during a community meeting held Tuesday night in Penrose, where officials provided new details on how the wildfire began and addressed concerns from local residents.
Authorities confirmed that the fire was sparked by a vehicle malfunction along Highway 115. According to officials, a vehicle pulled over on the highway, and the incident became the ignition point for the blaze.
The town hall was organized in response to community frustration over limited communication during the early stages of the emergency. Residents voiced concerns, prompting fire officials to offer greater transparency about both the response and contributing factors.
The Assistant Chief of Operations for Fort Carson Fire outlined firefighting efforts and also addressed the role of pre-existing slash piles in the fire’s growth. These piles—measuring roughly 6 to 8 feet tall and 8 feet wide—had been prepared for controlled burns during winter months.
“We planned to burn them in the winter—but winter never came,” the official explained.
The 24 Fire, burning on Fort Carson land in Fremont County, has now scorched just over 7,000 acres. Fire crews have made progress, with containment reaching 30%, though challenges remain.
Meanwhile, Highway 115 remains closed, and officials say there is no estimated timeline for reopening.
Residents are encouraged to stay updated through official channels as firefighting efforts continue.
