1 dead following 2 different fires in Colorado Springs on Thursday that prompted evacuations

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) - Two Colorado Springs neighborhoods in different parts of the city were on high alert Thursday as crews battled two fast-moving fires. One of those fires was deadly.

The first fire sparked before noon in an area near Stetson Hills on the northeast side of the city. Crews were called out to a neighborhood near Stetson Hills Boulevard and Anna Lee Way. That fire scorched an estimated 30 acres, damaged fences, damaged about 20 homes, and no structures were lost. About 500 homes in the area were evacuated, impacting about 1,000 people. Evacuation orders were lifted for the fire near Stetson Hills Thursday evening. The fire has since been 100 percent contained. Multiple people were treated on scene for smoke exposure. Investigators believe the fire was started by smoldering ashes from someone’s fire pit. Joshua Allen was served and released for “firing woods or prairie,” a felony.

Soon after the first fire, another fire was reported in a neighborhood near Pulpit Rock miles away. At about 2:30 p.m. CSFD provided an update on the fire at the Skylark Mobile Home Park. At that time, CSFD was reporting the Skylark fire was 100 percent contained after eight mobile homes were destroyed and propane tanks caused flames to reach up to 50 feet. Evacuation orders were still in place in the latest update and were expected to remain in place overnight.

“After an extensive investigation to determine the cause of the fire at 3831 N. Cascade, the only ignition source our fire investigators are not able to rule out is the improper disposal of smoking materials. As a result, this fire will be ruled as accidental,” according to CSFD.

On Friday, 11 News partner the Gazette confirmed with the El paso County coroner that the body of one person was found at the Skylark Mobile Home Park. The identity of that person has not been publicly released. Capt. Mike Smaldino with the Colorado Springs Fire Department confirmed the tragic update with 11 News.

Click here for information on a different fire southeast of Colorado Springs in the Security-Widefield area.

Click here for information on a fire that was burning in Teller County.

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