News5

Southern Colorado residents donated to the Southern Colorado Wildfire Relief Fund, raising $46,000 as of Thursday. News5 awarded a $15,000 grant to United Way of Southern Colorado for immediate relief, with all funds directed to wildfire-impacted individuals due to waived fees.

The Colorado Springs Fire Department reported 8 fireworks-caused fires during the 2026 4th of July, a rise compared to 2025. Between July 4 and 5, 2026, they responded to 344 service calls, including 23 outside fires and 8 vegetation fires. The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office issued 3 citations after receiving 50 complaints.

Homeowners in the Soaring Eagles HOA in Colorado Springs face mechanic's liens after a hailstorm insurance dispute led to a $3.2 million deductible and special assessments. An attorney alleges the HOA's property management company, RowCal Property Management, awarded a roofing contract to an affiliated firm, RowCal Construction & Maintenance, which later filed liens against the community. The validity of the liens is contested due to potential statutory deadline violations.

The Aspen Acres Fire is burning along Highway 165 near Rye in southern Colorado, with 35,467 acres scorched and 0% containment as of Wednesday morning. Evacuations are in effect, and News5 viewers are sharing photos, videos, and updates about the blaze.

Colorado Springs celebrates Bike to Work Day on Wednesday, offering free breakfast at 37 stations and bike preparation services. The event, promoted by the Trails and Open Space Coalition, includes a News5 Pedal for Pancakes station and repair classes at Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort.

A tornado was spotted near Fowler, Colorado, and large hail, up to 2 inches in diameter, fell in southeast Colorado Springs. The storm occurred on Tuesday, with no reports of damage or injuries. Hailstones larger than a lime were recorded from Security-Widefield to Fountain.

State officials have not disclosed details about an incident at the Bent County Correctional Facility in Las Animas on June 6, which resulted in two inmate deaths and injuries to a third. The Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) and Bent County Sheriff's Office have denied requests for information, citing an ongoing investigation and medical privacy laws. Visitation at all CDOC facilities was temporarily suspended but lifted on June 8, while the facility remains on lockdown.

A dead humpback whale named 'Timmy' was brought ashore on the Danish island of Anholt for a postmortem examination to determine its cause of death. A live stream by News5 showed the whale's carcass being dragged onto the beach, prompting warnings from the Danish environmental protection agency due to safety risks.