Grass Fire Spreads Near Colorado School, Prompting Evacuation

Students watched from windows as flames approached the Pinnacle Charter School in Thornton.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A fast-moving grass fire broke out near the Pinnacle Charter School in Thornton, Colorado, forcing the school to evacuate as flames approached the building. Students watched the fire spread from their classroom windows before being dismissed early for the day.

Why it matters

Grass fires can pose a serious threat to nearby buildings and communities, especially in windy and dry conditions. The quick response from firefighters helped prevent the fire from reaching the school, but the incident highlights the need for schools to have robust emergency plans in place.

The details

The fire, which burned around 10 acres, crept to within 50-100 feet of the back of the Pinnacle Charter School before firefighters were able to contain it. School CEO Dr. Chris Miller said the wind was blowing the flames towards the school, creating a frightening scene for students who watched the fire spread from their classroom windows. Four firefighters and one civilian suffered minor injuries battling the blaze.

  • The fire broke out on Wednesday during the middle of the school day.
  • Students were dismissed early from school due to the fire.
  • The school will resume normal activities on Thursday.

The players

Pinnacle Charter School

A school in Thornton, Colorado that was evacuated due to the nearby grass fire.

Dr. Chris Miller

The CEO of Pinnacle Charter School, who described the fire coming close to the school building.

Thornton Fire Department

The fire department that responded to the scene and fought to keep the flames from reaching the school.

Alejandro Hernandez-Manzouer

A student at Pinnacle Charter School who witnessed the fire spreading from the classroom windows.

Steve Kelley

The Thornton Fire Chief, who said the school was evacuated and the fire got close to nearby homes.

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What they’re saying

“The way the wind was blowing, it came pretty close to the school. I'd say it got within about 50 to 100 feet from the back of our school.”

— Dr. Chris Miller, CEO, Pinnacle Charter School (cbsnews.com)

“It's just a bunch of dry grass everywhere surrounding that pathway. Through the windows I saw fire starting outside and then I saw all the firefighters pulling up. And then I just saw like all the fire just start to spread and it got worse and worse and we got evacuated. And then I just saw a bunch of smoke behind the school.”

— Alejandro Hernandez-Manzouer, Student, Pinnacle Charter School (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the fire, which burned around 10 acres near the school.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of schools having robust emergency plans in place to quickly evacuate students and staff in the event of a nearby fire or other disaster. The quick response from firefighters prevented the blaze from reaching the school, but the situation was still frightening for the students who witnessed the flames approaching from their classroom windows.