COLORADO SPRINGS — Fire crews knocked down a fire burning near Interstate 25 just north of Colorado Springs shortly after 2 p.m. Monday, July 13, closing the southbound lanes for a time and creating traffic disruptions as smoke reduced visibility.
Location, timeline and response
The blaze burned south of Baptist Road along I‑25, immediately north of the city. A Gazette photographer on scene documented firefighters working on hot spots next to the interstate and reported that southbound lanes were shut while the northbound direction was detoured, producing traffic jams.
The Air Force Academy fire department served as the lead agency for the response. The Colorado Springs Fire Department assisted, and crews from Monument also responded to the incident. Officials began reopening the southbound lanes after crews brought the fire under control.
Community impacts and conditions
Traffic through the area was affected during the response. The Colorado Department of Transportation cameras showed heavy smoke and lines of stopped cars during the closure period. A Gazette photographer noted firefighters remained on scene extinguishing hot spots even after lanes began to reopen. Temperatures that afternoon were warm, contributing to dry conditions near the highway.
- When: Shortly after 2 p.m., Monday, July 13, 2026
- Where: I‑25, south of Baptist Road (north of Colorado Springs)
- Lead agency: Air Force Academy fire department
- Assisting: Colorado Springs Fire Department, Monument crews
Fire crews were observed putting out hot spots and officials reopened southbound I‑25 after the blaze was knocked down.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Closure | Temporary closure of southbound I‑25 near Baptist Road; northbound detoured |
| Cause | Under investigation / unknown at time of reporting |
| Public safety | Drivers experienced delays and reduced visibility from smoke |
This remains a developing story. Officials on scene prioritized extinguishing remaining hot spots and reopening traffic as soon as it was safe. News Block will provide updates if agencies release additional details about the cause, acreage burned or any related closures.
