5 hurt and high school evacuated after Colorado grass fire spreads
Four firefighters and one civilian were injured Wednesday after a fast-moving grass fire broke out in Thornton, Colorado, forcing the evacuation of a nearby high school and temporarily closing a major highway near Denver.
The blaze began around 11:30 a.m. near Huron Street and 84th Avenue during red-flag conditions, with high winds and extremely dry weather fueling its rapid spread. About 150 firefighters from regional departments responded to the fire, which threatened homes, businesses, and Pinnacle Charter High School, located just feet from the flames. The fire ultimately burned roughly 10 acres before being contained by 2:30 p.m.
Thornton Fire Chief Stephen Kelley said no homes were destroyed, though several businesses were affected, with at least some vehicles in parking areas damaged. All five injuries were reported as non-critical. Students at the high school were evacuated safely and are expected to return on Thursday, and residents in a nearby neighborhood were temporarily sheltered at a local recreation center.
The blaze also forced the temporary closure of Interstate 25 as crews battled smoke and flames. Firefighters continued working on hotspots into the evening to prevent rekindling. Chief Kelley praised the community for quickly responding to evacuation orders, allowing fire crews to access and contain the fire effectively.
The area remains under a Red Flag Fire Warning from the National Weather Service, with sustained winds of 25–35 mph and gusts up to 55 mph contributing to extreme fire conditions across the Denver metro region. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire.
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