Homeless Outreach Team educates population about dangers of campfires

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — As cooler temperatures hit Colorado Springs, people who find themselves homeless find ways to keep themselves warm.

But cooking and warming fires come with dangers, and it’s part of the Colorado Springs Police Department Homeless Outreach Team’s goal to remind the homeless population of just how dangerous they can be.

“We do see fires regularly. We’ve cited a few folks for having open fires. There is a burn ban in this county like in most counties here in the state because of the fact that things can go up pretty quick,” said Sgt. Olav Chaney with the HOT team.

Already this season we’ve had a wildfire originate from a homeless camp. Although still unknown what exactly caused the Manitou Incline Fire, it burned an acre near the Barr Trail.

“We do see fires regularly. We’ve cited a few folks for having open fires. There is a burn ban in this county like in most counties here in the state because of the fact that things can go up pretty quick,” he said.