Top Stories
Grass Fire 3_01_08

Video Story

Record heat, wind, low humidity fueling fires

Story By: Mark Hanrahan
Source: KOAA

311 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.    

 

Don't Miss It

Job of the Day button

Job of the Day
Store co-manager
Hobby Lobby
Full time

First Alert Doppler button

First Alert Doppler.  It's the only radar in Southern Colorado that's truly live.  Find out how it helps the First Alert weather team give you the early warning.

Fox carrying fish. Photo by Douglas Chandler.

Featured Picture

Upload your favorite photo to our website.  Others can see it and your photo may be featured on News First.

Health Sections

Special Sections

Wacky Stories button

Wacky Stories

Weird, wild and unusual stories from Colorado Springs and around the world. This stuff truly earns the title “WACKY."

free money

Free Money Deals

Get gift certificates from your favorite local businesses for half of what they are worth.

Most Wanted Predators button

Most Wanted Predators

News First keeps an updated list of Southern Colorado's most wanted sexual predators.  Your anonymous tips can help authorities track them down.

Teachers First

Teachers First

Honor that special person who inpires kids to learn and grow. Nominate him or her for this monthly award from News First.

 

Gas Tracker button

Gas Tracker

Find the cheapest gas in Southern Colorado.  Gas Tracker is simple, interactive and always up-to-date.

Connect with Kids button

Connect With Kids

Tough topics about kids and teens. Research-based parenting tips, teacher info, and news about kids.

Jobs First Colorado button

Jobs First Colorado

Search for jobs locally and throughout Colorado.

 

Sponsored Events button

Sponsored Events

Check out the events sponsored by KOAA-TV, News First 5/30.

Check For Life

Check For Life

News First has joined the fight against Breast Cancer. Click here to find out where to get your Check for Life kit.