Franktown, Colorado, USA – On February 24, 2026, the Dahlberg Fire tore through more than 1,000 acres of dry grass south of Franktown, with flames racing across open terrain before being fully contained that evening.

Thick smoke plumes rose thousands of feet into the sky as bright orange flames advanced across rolling hills. Gusty winds pushed smoke into dramatic columns, partially obscuring the sun over the fire zone.

Air tankers played a key role in suppressing the blaze. Repeated drops of retardant streaked across the active flanks, while ground crews worked to carve containment lines and mop up hot spots. Aircraft maneuvered low over the fire, coordinating closely with the crews on the ground to bring containment to 100% just before sunset.

Temporary evacuations affected roughly 17–20 homes near Dahlberg and Lake Gulch Roads, but no structures were lost. The rapid and coordinated response from air and ground teams kept the community safe.

The Franktown Fire Protection District thanked the “village” of first responders continuing mop-up operations and reminded residents to stay alert through Douglas County hazard alerts. The fire underscored both the speed at which dry grass can ignite and the crucial impact of aerial firefighting resources in Colorado’s Front Range.

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