(FORT CARSON, Colo.) โ€” The 24 Fire near Highway 115 reached 7,385 acres in size as of Monday morning, March 23, and is at 0% containment.

According to an official at Fort Carson, ground crews were able to tie in control lines, boxing in the fire overnight, and the lines remain strong as of Monday morning. Significant efforts have been made in the previous days to prevent the fire from crossing to the west side of the highway, and crews are patrolling the highway to protect homes in the area.

Fort Carson stated that the size of the fire is due to a combination of both fire activity and flames from backburning operations, which are fires deliberately set along firebreaks to reduce potential fuels for wildlife, slowing or preventing the spread of flames.

Mandatory evacuations within a two-mile radius around County Road F45 and Hwy 115 remain in effect, as well as a pre-evacuation notice within the surrounding three-mile radius. Hwy 115 remains closed until further notice. Large amounts of smoke will continue to be visible.

At least 16 partners from military, local, and state agencies have joined Fort Carson in the firefighting efforts.

The El Paso County pre-evacuation warning remains in effect for the area near Hwy 115 and Sandy Creek Ranch Heights.

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