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Grass Fire 3_01_08

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Record heat, wind, low humidity fueling fires

Story By: Mark Hanrahan
Source: KOAA

Colorado Springs Published 263 day(s) ago

In eastern El Paso County, Saturday, the Calhan fire department worked to knock down the flames of a small grass fire.  Calhan Fire Chief Shane Gattis says, "It does not take much to get a prairie started right now."  Saturday's record temperatures only helped fuel the fire, drying out the grass.

The fast moving fire quickly scorched nearly four acres, despite a quick response.  Gattis says, "Our on-scene time was about five minutes and it was pretty much three acres at that time." While its considered a small grass fire, Gattis says its a sign for what’s to come. "We're anticipating to be quite busy."

Still months away from what’s considered fire season and we've already seen several wild land fires in Colorado Springs and El Paso County.  Experts say the warm weather, wind and low humidity are to blame.  Gattis says, "Be aware, it only takes a minute for a small fire to get out of control and hard to handle."

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.    

 

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