(SOUTHERN COLORADO) — Highway 115 has reopened as of 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, following a weeklong closure due to the 24 Fire.
The 24 Fire broke out during Red Flag warnings on Wednesday, March 18, in Fremont County and quickly jumped the highway toward Fort Carson land in El Paso and Pueblo Counties. The highway was closed on Thursday, March 19, as crews battled the rapidly spreading fire.
Fort Carson’s 24 Fire sees containment progress, highway reopening assessment underway
Highway 115 has remained closed ever since, and neighbors near Highway 115 and County Road F45 were evacuated from Friday, March 20, to Monday, March 23. The fire remained at 0% containment until Monday, and the latest update has the fire at 61% contained and 7,385 acres.
According to a Fort Carson official, the decision was made on Thursday to reopen Highway 115 following an assessment of progress in the area.
Drivers will likely still see smoke in the area, and are asked not to pull over to take photos or call 911. Motorists are also urged to remain watchful for wildlife that are trying to return to the area…