UPDATE: West Monument Creek Fire 20% contained, 168 acres

UPDATE: MONDAY 2/26/2024 9:10 a.m.

The U.S. Air Force Academy said as of 9 a.m. the West Monument Creek Fire was 20% contained and the fire has so far burned 168 acres.

NEW COVERAGE: Crews battle West Monument Creek Fire by air and ground resources

UPDATE: USAFA closed to general public Monday

UPDATE: MONDAY 2/26/2024 6:45 a.m.

The U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) released an update on the morning of Monday, Feb. 26. USAFA said as of 6 a.m. the fire is not threatening any structures.

USAFA expects help from Fort Carson with two helicopters for water dumps on the fire along with assistance from the U.S. Forest Service and the Colorado Springs Fire Department. A prepare-to-evacuate order remains in effect for Pine and Douglass Valley while no evacuation is ordered currently.

USAFA said should an evacuation be ordered, Hunt Housing and Academy first responders will inform those living in the area.

UPDATE: MONDAY 2/26/2024 5:57 a.m.

The U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) said in a late evening post on Sunday, Feb. 25 that USAFA on Monday, Feb. 26 would be closed to the general public and only be open to DOD ID Cardholders and contractors with the Child Development Centers closed. All patient appointments at the main Medical Treatment Facility are canceled with staff working to reschedule those appointments.

ADDITIONAL COVERAGE: USAFA wildfire causes school closure in Academy District 20

Operations at USAFA will continue as scheduled. USAFA said it would continue to watch the fire throughout the night and provide further updates on Monday morning.

UPDATE: wildfire on USAFA spreads to 150 acres

UPDATE: SUNDAY 2/25/2024 7:25 p.m.

(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) posted on social media at 7:21 p.m. on Sunday, that El Paso County Wildland Fire was on scene assisting with the fire burning on the U.S. Air Force Academy.

UPDATE: SUNDAY 2/25/2024 5:54 p.m.

The fire on the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) has spread to 150 acres, says USAFA. The fire is located west of the Pine Valley Housing Area and on the eastern border of the Pike National Forest.

According to USAFA, there are no homes in danger at the moment. But pre-evacuation instructions are being sent throughout the area. The Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) and first responders are standing by, prepared to act to prevent damage to homes if needed.

Anyone living in the area is asked to cooperate with first responders and follow their instructions.

UPDATE: CSFD sends additional units to assist with fire

UPDATE: SUNDAY 2/25/2024 3:17 p.m.

The Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) sent additional units to assist with the wildfire currently burning at the Air Force Academy.

The Air Force Academy is the lead on this fire, says CSFD, but 31 CSFD personnel are on the scene to provide support, from the following units: Wildland 4, Brush 15, Brush 20, Brush 22, Battalion Chief 4, and Special Operations Unit 52.

ORIGINAL STORY: Wildfire burning on Air Force Academy

SUNDAY 2/25/2024 2:11 p.m.

On Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024, at 1:34 p.m. the Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) reported that they were aware of a fire burning on Air Force Academy grounds.

Ten minutes later, at 1:44 p.m. CSFD said they had been called to provide aid for the fire. There are no reports of fires burning within city limits.

Guests and residents currently on the Air Force Academy are being asked to avoid the area and comply with any instructions from first responders.

The FOX21 team is working to get more information. We will report back when we know more.

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