Wildfire Sparks Near Denver, Forcing Highway Closure and Evacuations

Northbound I-25 shut down as crews battle blaze near Thornton

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A grass fire sparked near Interstate 25 north of Denver on Wednesday afternoon, prompting the closure of the northbound lanes and the evacuation of a nearby high school and businesses. Thick black smoke was seen drifting across the highway as firefighters worked to contain the blaze.

Why it matters

Wildfires near major highways and populated areas can pose serious risks to public safety, requiring swift action to evacuate people and shut down transportation routes. This incident highlights the ongoing threat of wildfires in the Denver metro area, especially during dry and windy conditions.

The details

The fire ignited near West 84th Avenue and Huron Street, close to northbound I-25. Authorities closed the northbound lanes between U.S. 36 and 104th Avenue in Thornton due to "safety concerns". The left lane of southbound I-25 was also closed in the same area. Pinnacle High School and nearby businesses were evacuated as a precaution while firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze.

  • The fire was reported around 12:15 p.m. on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
  • Northbound I-25 was closed between U.S. 36 and 104th Avenue as of 12:15 p.m.

The players

Colorado Department of Transportation

The state agency responsible for managing and maintaining Colorado's transportation infrastructure, including Interstate 25.

Thornton Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the fire and coordinated the evacuation of nearby buildings.

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What’s next

Authorities will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on the status of the fire and the highway closure.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat of wildfires in the Denver metro area, and the importance of swift action to protect public safety when such events occur near major transportation corridors and populated areas.