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• Pair convicted of burlarizing evacuated homes sentenced

  May 15, 2013 8:21 PM

  COLORADO SPRINGS - The first people to be convicted of burglarizing evacuated homes in the Mountain Shadows neighborhood during the Waldo Canyon Fire were issued heavy sentences Wednesday. Shane Garrett, 35, was sentenced to 48 years in prison with 5 years of mandatory parole. Belinda Wells-Yates, 39, was sentenced... more »

• El Paso County releases official Waldo Canyon Fire report

  April 19, 2013 12:36 AM

  Thursday afternoon, the El Paso County Sheriff's Office released their official Waldo Canyon Fire report. Sheriff Terry Maketa held a news conference outlining what went right and what needed to be improved. "I think our law enforcement folks and the coordination with other entities did an extraordinarily well under... more »

• New details: Emergency alert system failed during Waldo Canyon Fire Play Video

  February 28, 2013 12:33 AM

  News 5 is learning new details into the failure of the Waldo Canyon Fire emergency notification system. Wednesday, El Paso-Teller County E911 released an in-depth report explaining what went wrong and addressing several unanswered questions. The fire destroyed nearly 350 homes and took the lives of two residents.... more »

• Guilty verdict in Waldo Canyon Fire burglary trial Play Video

  February 6, 2013 1:07 AM

  The verdict is in for two suspects charged with burglarizing a home during the Waldo Canyon wildfire evacuation: guilty on all counts. Shane Garrett and Belinda Wells-Yates were facing a multitude of charges including burglary and theft. During the height of the Waldo Canyon wildfire evacuation and its aftermath,... more »

• Girl Scout Raises Money to Donate Trees to Fire Victims

  January 28, 2013 3:29 PM

  A 14-year-old Girl Scout is raising money to help Waldo Canyon Fire victims. KC Cruz is fundraising to buy 400 Blue Spruce Trees from the U.S. Forest Service to give to families who lost their home in the fire. She is calling her idea, "Trees of Hope." Cruz said... more »

• Hundreds crowd emergency preparation meeting

  January 16, 2013 1:00 AM

  COLORADO SPRINGS - There weren't many empty seats at the Cheyenne Mountain High School auditorium as hundreds of people came out to the city's first wildfire safety information meeting. City leaders from the police and fire departments spoke about the importance of preparing for an evacuation and how to... more »

• Council tightens fire code; tables TOPS Play Video

  January 9, 2013 12:41 AM

  COLORADO SPRINGS - On a 6-2 vote Tuesday, the Colorado Springs City Council passed stricter fire codes for any new homes built in the foothills of Colorado Springs. Smoke alarms, sprinkler systems and fire resistant Class A roofing materials are now required. Wooded siding and shake shingles are prohibited... more »

• City to host wildfire awareness meeting

  January 2, 2013 1:36 PM

  COLORADO SPRINGS -Emergency managers in the City of Colorado Springs will host an informational meeting later this month to increase awareness about the danger of wildfires and the need for emergency preparedness. Fire Chief Rich Brown, Fire Marshall Bret Lacey and Emergency Manager Bret Waters will discuss evacuation planning... more »

• Sen. Udall criticizes rejection of wildfire amendment

  December 29, 2012 1:39 PM

  DENVER (AP) - U.S. Sen. Mark Udall is criticizing his colleagues' rejection of an amendment he says would have fully funded the Forest Service's Wildland Fire Management Account ahead of next year's wildfire season. The Colorado Democrat says the amendment to the Supplemental Appropriation for Disaster Assistance would have restored... more »

• Academy firefighters competing for world title Play Video

  November 15, 2012 1:01 PM

  Firefighters from the US Air Force Academy are in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina this week competing in the World Firefighter Combat Challenge. The competition combines the most physically demanding aspects of a firefighter's job and condenses them into an all out sprint. "It's built upon tasks your supposed to... more »

• Living symbol 30 feet tall: A gift to the Mountain Shadows neighborhood Play Video

  November 9, 2012 8:16 PM

  A generous donation creates a new "living" symbol of recovery in the Mountain Shadows neighborhood. A massive 30 foot fir tree was lovingly transplanted where everybody driving into the neighborhood can see it. The owners of Gesco Nursery which is 40 miles up the road in Franktown saw the... more »

• Disability brings ability, access, and independence post Waldo Play Video

  November 7, 2012 9:07 PM

  "We could really see it. It was horrible," said Maddie Olson. She was with her family, evacuated, and watching from a hotel room as the Waldo Canyon Fire overtook their neighborhood. Their home burned and like the hundreds of other victims the process of recovery is difficult. Only their situation... more »

• Manitou sales drop after Waldo Canyon fire Play Video

  September 12, 2012 8:35 PM

  New numbers from the city of Manitou Springs show summer sales tax revenue is way down, and experts in the 'biz' blame the Waldo Canyon fire. Business owners felt the burn of the Waldo Canyon fire long after the flames died down. "It really impacted the business, the customers... more »

• Not much new information from Waldo Canyon Fire press conference

  September 12, 2012 7:43 PM

  Not much in terms of new information came from Wednesday's press conference from the Waldo Canyon Fire Task Force, handling the investigation into the cause. Lt. Adrian Vasquez with the Colorado Springs Police Department told the media that the fire was caused by humans, but they don't know if... more »

• Volunteers help with sandbagging

  September 11, 2012 7:10 PM

  Residents living near the Waldo Canyon Fire burn-area are nervous about possible rain forecasted this week. Tuesday volunteers with the Coalition of the Upper South Platte helped out a homeowner with some sand bagging. One homeowner living near Green Mountain Falls, just north of Highway 24, is right in... more »

• Colorado Springs to receive grant money after tough tourism season

  September 5, 2012 3:49 PM

  COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) - A Colorado community that saw a massive wildfire in the middle of peak tourism season will receive a federal grant to try to lure visitors back to the foot of Pikes Peak. The Colorado Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau will receive $100,000 to promote visits... more »

• Retired fire chief calls for fire ban Play Video

  September 3, 2012 12:41 AM

  A retired Colorado Springs fire chief is calling for a fire ban after finding unattended camp fires on Cheyenne Mountain. He's worried people haven't learned their lesson from the Waldo Canyon fire. A working fire boss says the ex-chief has every reason to be concerned; the current conditions are ripe... more »

• AFA Cadets take on Mountain Shadows cleanup Play Video

  August 27, 2012 12:27 AM

  Sunday was a time of recovery for a community devastated by the Waldo Canyon Fire. Mountain Shadows homeowners used to looking at a burned-out shell of what was once a neighborhood now view a work in progress, healing at the hands of strangers determined to lift that reminder of loss.... more »

• Waldo fire floods take Fountain man's property Play Video

  August 2, 2012 9:54 PM

  In the wake of the Waldo Canyon fire, one man's property is being swept away by Fountain Creek's rushing floodwaters. "From here to that rusted pipe down there, that used to be my property line," David Trujillo says, motioning toward a fifty foot cliff in what used to be... more »

• Dog lost in Waldo Canyon Fire reunited with owner a month later Play Video

  July 29, 2012 1:39 AM

  Abram Faith was driving home after a night of camping near Rampart Reservoir when he took a turn for the worse-- literally. "We took a last turn too quick on the dirt road and the car toppled about 3 times," Faith says. What he didn't realize was that his... more »

• Schools offer stability, reassurance after disaster Play Video

  July 19, 2012 7:26 PM

  With a disaster as severe as the Waldo Canyon Fire, it sometimes takes something familiar, like the neighborhood school, to help process all that has happened. Dr. Nicholas Gledich, Superintendent of School District 11 says there are 92 children and as many as 16 employees who are returning to school... more »

• Fire victims get help sifting through rubble from volunteers

  July 15, 2012 12:33 AM

  For the last few days, victims of the Waldo Canyon fire have been sifting through the remains of their homes to find anything salvageable. Now, they have help in their search. Samaritan's Purse, a disaster relief group that travels the country, gathered about a hundred volunteers to aid in... more »

• Waldo cost to community: $200 Million and counting Play Video

  July 12, 2012 7:01 PM

  Already the most destructive wildfire in state history, the full cost of the Waldo Canyon Fire will take many months to calculate. However, just counting the 346 homes that were lost, economist Fred Crowley says this fire is already more pricey than the Hayman fire. "Without working at it... more »

• Burn near reservoir triggers water quality worries

  July 11, 2012 9:58 PM

  In the wake of the Waldo Canyon fire and heavy rains that followed, locals in Colorado Springs are seeing streams running black with ash and debris. Representatives from Colorado Springs Utilities say although it may not be a pretty sight, flowing streams of black don't pose a concern for... more »

• Scientists gauge flood risk in Waldo Canyon burn area

  July 10, 2012 6:08 PM

  Large wildfires like the Waldo Canyon Fire not only consume trees and plants, they also change the landscape right down to the dirt. Brad Rust, a soil scientist for the US Forest Service Burn Area Emergency Response team, says burning leaves and pine needles of can cause increased runoff.... more »

• Victims of Waldo Canyon Fire: Watch out for scam artists

  July 10, 2012 8:32 AM

  DENVER (AP) - Colorado Attorney General John Suthers is warning about scam artists preying on wildfire victims and on people trying to donate to relief funds. Suthers said Monday some residents have reported getting automated phone calls or visits from door-to-door solicitors seeking donations for fire victims. He says reputable... more »

• A "beary" happy day

  July 9, 2012 6:34 PM

  There was a happy reunion for a little girl and her family who lost their home and her favorite teddy bear to the Waldo Canyon Fire. Saint Francis Medical Center CEO Nate Olson gave 7-year-old Lily Rottenborn a new bear this morning. Lily had been a patient at the... more »

• Waldo Canyon Fire still at 98 percent containment

  July 8, 2012 10:23 AM

  Sunday morning fire crews are flying over the Waldo Canyon Fire burning west of Colorado Springs to check for smoke; that's weather permitting. The fire has been listed as 98 percent contained and crews say they want a full 24 hours to pass without any smoke showing before calling the... more »

• Hundreds of dollars raised in Pueblo for the Firefighter Fund

  July 7, 2012 7:09 PM

  Volunteers in Pueblo take in more than $1,300 for the Firefighter Fund, plus a truck load of donations! They say it's important for people to remember that containment does not mean the fire is out, and there are still hundreds of firefighters that need our help. "Volunteer fire departments aren't... more »

• Sifting through the ashes Play Video

  July 6, 2012 9:08 PM

  As people return to the Mountain Shadows area-- ravaged by the Waldo Canyon fire-- many are sifting through the rubble of their homes, trying to find anything salvageable. For one family, picking up the pieces isn't what makes them whole. The Hillman family spent Friday afternoon rummaging through ash,... more »

• Residents get info on local flooding concerns from fire area Play Video

  July 5, 2012 11:34 PM

  As the Waldo Canyon Fire gets closer to 100 percent contained, the new threat emerging is possible flash-flooding in the area. Experts with the US Forest Service told a packed room at Centennial Hall Tuesday night that the way the fire has changed the landscape will have an affect on... more »

• Flash flood fears for Hwy 24 Play Video

  July 5, 2012 8:21 PM

  In the aftermath of the Waldo Canyon fire officials are gearing up to prepare for potential flooding beneath burn zones, especially along Highway 24. Even years after the 2002 Hayman fire, charred lands still couldn't absorb rain; the result was a flash flood that wiped out miles of Highway... more »

• Waldo Canyon Fire could be contained shortly

  July 5, 2012 8:53 AM

  COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) - Firefighters expect to fully contain the Waldo Canyon wildfire by Friday. So far, containment lines have been built around 90 percent of the Colorado Springs fire that destroyed nearly 350 homes. Crews also got some help early Thursday from some rain that fell on the... more »

• Why a fire increases flood risk Play Video

  July 4, 2012 6:49 PM

  The gentle rain showers that washed over Colorado Springs Wednesday also helped to cool the northern edge of the Waldo Canyon Fire. However, too much rain can quickly create another natural disaster: flooding. As part of a daily media update Wednesday, Incident Management Team public information officer Richard Hadley... more »

• Gas service restored to 3,300 homes in Mountain Shadows

  July 4, 2012 5:59 PM

  As more evacuees return home, crews are putting in long hours to make sure the utilities are safely restored. Hundreds of workers with Colorado Springs Utilities and Xcel Energy have been going door-to-door in the Mountain Shadows neighborhood restoring natural gas service to homes. Regulations require workers to access... more »

• Rehearsal underway for benefit concert

  July 3, 2012 11:12 PM

  Last minute preparations are underway for Wednesday's benefit concert A Community Rises to benefit victims of the Waldo Canyon Fire. Members of the Colorado Springs Philharmonic as well as other guest performers were rehearsing at the Colorado Springs World Arena Tuesday evening. News 5 is proud to partner with... more »

• Ft. Carson soldiers training to help with wildfires Play Video

  July 3, 2012 8:05 PM

  It's been a horrible fire season across the country, and Colorado has seen some of the worst of it in Colorado. It's been so bad that Fort Carson soldiers are doing extra training in case they're called in to help, and they're doing it differently than in the past. ... more »

• A view from the fire lines Play Video

  July 3, 2012 7:13 PM

  Street by street though the Mountain Shadows neighborhood last Tuesday Colorado Springs Fire Department audio video specialist Steve Schopper recorded the unimaginable. "There were certain streets that I was uncomfortable going through, you're seeing smoke and fire going across the street, I'm not exactly sure where it turns to... more »

• A look behind the evacuation lines at Mountain Shadows Play Video

  July 2, 2012 8:46 PM

  Thousands of people have been affected by the Waldo Canyon Fire burning near Colorado Springs. The hardest hit area seems to be the Mountain Shadows neighborhood with dozens of homes that have burned to the ground; many residents still can't return and remain under evacuation orders. Monday fire crews... more »

• Help for displaced families with pets

  July 1, 2012 1:43 PM

  Residents displaced by the Waldo Canyon Fire and having trouble finding a place for pets are being offered assistance from National Mill Dog Rescue, part of North Shore Animal League of America. They'll be stationed at the El Paso County Disaster Recovery Center located at the former county Department of... more »

• Information on Highway 24 reopening

  July 1, 2012 12:06 PM

  Highway 24 is reopening Sunday at 9 a.m. for residents of Green Mountain Falls, Chipita Park, Cascade, and Crystola; then at 1 p.m. the El Paso County Sheriff's office says the highway will be open to all traffic. Until the highway is open to all motorists at 1 p.m.... more »

• Pinon Valley residents grieve for friends in Mountain Shadows Play Video

  June 30, 2012 7:45 PM

  It's the fear of the unknown that hurts many evacuees, and for those in the neighborhood of Pinon Valley, returning home brought a mix of emotions. They're breathing a sigh of relief, but they're grieving for their friends in Mountain Shadows. "It never crossed my mind that something... more »

• Those who have lost everything receive help

  June 30, 2012 7:40 PM

  Liz Hershberger is a wife and mother of four, ages five, four, three, and two. They lost their home in Mountain Shadows. "I'm a person that likes to give, and so I'm quite on the other end from where I've always been in my life," said Hershberger. "It's like... more »

• Pueblo County takes donations for Care and Share

  June 29, 2012 7:48 PM

  If you're in Pueblo and want to make donations like water and Gatorade to help those affected by the Waldo Canyon Fire, you can take those to the first floor of the courthouse on W. 10th in Pueblo. They're taking donations for Care and Share "Colorado has been invaded be... more »

• State Fairgrounds still open to evacuees

  June 29, 2012 7:44 PM

  Evacuees can find a place to stay at the State Fairgrounds in Pueblo if they need it. They say no one is staying in the 4-H dorms right now, but it's still an option for those evacuees who need a mattress where they can get some rest. Those at the... more »

• Mail call: expanded postal locations for evacuees

  June 28, 2012 3:11 PM

  The US Postal Service has establish additional locations where evacuees can pick up their mail. The locations are separated by neighborhood based on the customers regular post office. Evacuees from the Air Force Academy can pick up at the Briargate Post Office, 8585 Criterion Drive 719-598-7516. Evacuees who... more »

• Losing more than just a home

  June 27, 2012 8:09 PM

  Like many evacuees, Susan Solich has been living out of boxes since the waldo canyon fire first erupted Saturday. "Sunday we went back just to grab a few things and to water my plants on the off chance that there would be still plants and it was just burning,... more »

• USOC CEO: Our athletes are safe

  June 27, 2012 5:35 PM

  Scott Blackmun, the CEO of the United States Olympic Committee headquartered in Colorado Springs says America's athletes are safe from the smoke caused by the Waldo Canyon Fire burning in the foothills west of town. Many of Team USA's swimmers, gymnasts and track and field competitors are out of... more »

• C-130 MAFF's help fight Waldo Canyon Fire

  June 25, 2012 8:02 PM

  You've probably seen the C-130's flying over the fire or maybe even in Pueblo. We were there for their arrival and departure and have more on how they will help fight the fire. The big message they want to send about the C-130's is the fact that there are only... more »