March 21, 2008 ~ Around 1630 while returning from the memorial service in Simla multiple units observed a smoke column several miles northeast of Kiowa. Units from Elizabeth and MetCom were first to arrive on scene of a large, rapidly spreading vegetation fire near the Magic Dog Estates. Two Brush Trucks from Kiowa and an Engine from Agate arrived a short time later and began suppression operations lead by Elizabeth Chief 12 who had the command. During the initial stages of the incident, the fire became plume dominated and the fire made an aggressive run toward the southeast. Evacuation of several homes and ranches took place which included moving livestock. Air support was requested but due to the time of year, resources were limited an a helicopter would have been hours away.
Fox31 & 9News assisted with aerial recon, SkyFox also landed an picked up the incident commander for a birds-eye view of the incident. Firefighting operations went well into the night. Mutual aid from Elbert, Arapahoe, Adams, Douglas, Lincoln and El Paso County all responded to assist. No structures were damaged and the fire was held to around 500 acres. No cause has been released at this time.
