(COLORADO SPRINGS) — A large debris fire that caused a smoke plume visible from much of Colorado Springs on Saturday, Dec. 13 is believed to have been set intentionally, according to the Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD).
CSFD said in an update on Tuesday, Dec. 16 that Fire Investigators have determined the fire appears to have been intentionally set. The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) Regional Explosives Unit was notified and has assumed responsibility for the investigation.
UPDATE: No injuries reported in fire, crews checking for hot spots
Initial information into dispatchers was that a building was on fire and producing a large black smoke plume visible across Colorado Springs. Crews arrived five minutes later and determined the fire was burning in an outdoor pile of styrofoam and construction materials at a business off North Century Street, north of Fillmore Street.
Due to the size of the fire, additional crews were requested. CSFD said crews managed to keep the fire contained to the material pile and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings. Heavy equipment was brought in to break apart the pile and ensure no fire was still burning in the interior. The fire was considered knocked down about 45 minutes after crews first arrived.
The investigation into the fire is ongoing, CSFD said…