Officials Say Malfunctioning Car Likely Sparked Colorado’s ‘24 Fire as Containment Hits 30%

Overview

• Investigators say a car that broke down on Colorado 115 likely sent a spark into dry grass near mile marker 24, starting the wildfire south of Colorado Springs.
• The fire covers about 7,385 acres with roughly 30% containment, with about 240 firefighters and four helicopters working the incident.
• Highway 115 remains closed through the burn zone under daily safety reviews, and Fort Carson leaders describe Friday as a goal for reopening rather than a set date.
• Officials report no structures lost and no injuries, though crews expect pockets of vegetation to keep burning inside the perimeter for days.
• Local businesses along the corridor are feeling the pinch, with a longtime Penrose coffee shop reporting a 30% drop in weekend sales during the closure.