The Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) announced that Chapel Hills Mall was being evacuated on Thursday night after a fire broke out in the trash compactor of the Dick’s Sporting Goods store located at 1710 Briargate Blvd. The department received the initial report shortly after 9 p.m. and dispatched multiple engine companies to the scene.
Firefighters locate source of blaze
Upon arrival, CSFD crews found the flames contained within the store’s trash compactor. Firefighters quickly deployed hoses and ventilation equipment to suppress the fire and prevent it from spreading to adjacent retail spaces. The fire was brought under control within an hour, and the department continues to monitor the area for any rekindling.
Evacuation and public safety measures
CSFD ordered the immediate evacuation of the mall to protect shoppers, employees, and first‑responders. Mall management assisted by directing patrons toward designated exits and gathering points outside the building. The department urged anyone in the vicinity to avoid the area while the fire was being extinguished and to follow the instructions of law‑enforcement and fire personnel.
At this time, there are no reports of injuries or medical emergencies related to the incident. The fire appears to have been limited to the trash compactor, and no structural damage to the mall’s main facilities has been confirmed.
Impact on mall operations
Chapel Hills Mall, a major shopping destination for residents of Colorado Springs and the surrounding Pikes Peak region, will remain closed until CSFD completes a thorough safety inspection and the mall’s management determines when it is safe to reopen. The closure affects not only Dick’s Sporting Goods but also the numerous surrounding retailers, food‑court vendors, and service providers that rely on daily foot traffic.
Local business owners expressed concern about the potential loss of sales and the inconvenience to customers. Many have posted updates on social media, encouraging shoppers to check the mall’s official website or contact individual stores for the latest reopening information.
What residents should do
CSFD advises residents to avoid the Briargate Blvd. corridor while the fire investigation continues. Drivers are asked to follow any detour signs and to allow emergency vehicles unobstructed access. Those who were inside the mall at the time of the evacuation are encouraged to contact the mall’s customer‑service line for assistance and to verify the status of any personal belongings.
For ongoing updates, the Colorado Springs Fire Department will provide information through its official social‑media channels and local news outlets. Residents can also sign up for alerts via the city’s emergency notification system.
Community response
Community members have rallied to support the fire crews, posting thank‑you messages on local Facebook groups and offering prayers for the safety of first‑responders. The incident underscores the importance of fire‑prevention measures in high‑traffic retail environments and highlights the readiness of Colorado Springs emergency services.
CSFD will release a full incident report once the investigation is complete, detailing the cause of the trash‑compactor fire and any recommendations for preventing similar events in the future.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
