Colorado Springs Brush Fire Near I-25 Knocked Down After Evacuations

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — A brush fire near Interstate 25 that threatened a Colorado Springs subdivision was knocked down Friday afternoon after authorities evacuated residents.

A mandatory evacuation order was issued around 1:15 p.m. Friday for residents of The Farm on Ridgeline Drive.

"IMMEDIATE EVACUATION FOR ALL. In The Farm Subdivision," the Colorado Springs Fire Department tweeted.

Heavy flames and smoke were seen in the area. The fire was knocked down around 2:15 p.m. Friday, officials said. No structures were immediately lost. Many road closures were till in effect.

"Heavy smoke and winds making size up difficult," the agency tweeted. "[A]void the area heavy fire apparatus response."

Dramatic video and photos posted on Twitter showed thick, black smoke and heavy orange flames burning through trees near cars and homes.

"#ColoradoSpringsFire is responding to a #grassfire in the area of inter quest/I25," the fire department said. "CSFD responding with smoke showing. Multiple units responding avoid the area."

As Denver Patch previously reported, millions of Coloradans braced Friday for what officials called "extremely critical fire conditions," amid a perfect storm of dry, warm weather and blustery winds.

The National Weather Service warned of extremely critical fire weather Friday in Denver, Castle Rock, Colorado Springs, Limon, Fort Morgan, Akron, Pueblo, La Junta, Flagler, Kit Carson, Lamar and everywhere in between.

"Extreme fire weather conditions are expected over the plains and foothills today into this evening," the weather service said. "Very warm, dry, and windy weather would create dangerous conditions, making any new wildfire impossible to control."

The weather service warned residents to avoid any activity that could create a spark or open flame. It also warned residents to prepare to take action.

"If you smell smoke or see fire, move in a direction opposite the fire immediately," the weather service warned.