Aurora Fire: 3/17
Homes in danger amid high winds and dry weather
On Monday, March 17, 2025, Aurora, Colorado, experienced two significant vegetation fires amid high winds and dry conditions. These fires posed substantial challenges for local firefighters but were contained without any reported injuries or structural damage.
First Fire: Jewell Wetlands Park
The initial fire ignited around 3:15 p.m. at Jewell Wetlands Park, located at 13005 E. Jewell Avenue. Firefighters encountered large flames rapidly spreading through trees and grass, necessitating the use of "progressive packs" due to the inaccessibility of brush trucks. By approximately 4:13 p.m., the fire's progress was halted, and crews focused on containment and extinguishing remaining hotspots. The affected area was confined to about two acres.
Second Fire: South Kewaunee Street Open Space
Shortly after, around 3:19 p.m., a second fire broke out in the open space behind the 8000 block of S. Kewaunee Street, near S. Sampson Gulch Way and S. Powhaton Road. Driven by strong winds, this grass fire expanded to two to three acres and threatened nearby homes. At one point, Brush Engine 13 depleted its water supply while combating the blaze. The fire was under control by 4:26 p.m., with no injuries reported.
Contributing Factors and Response
Both fires occurred under a red flag warning, indicating critical fire conditions due to dry vegetation, low humidity, and high winds reaching up to 40 mph. Aurora Fire Rescue proactively upstaffed four additional brush trucks in anticipation of these conditions. No structures were damaged, and the causes of both fires remain under investigation.
