Fire officials have confirmed that the “Hammer Fire” north of Hanover in El Paso County is now 100% contained as of Friday evening, marking a major milestone after days of intense firefighting efforts.
The wildfire, which ultimately scorched approximately 4,958 acres, drew a massive response from 36 agencies, highlighting the scale and urgency of the situation. Crews will remain on-site over the coming days to monitor hotspots and ensure the fire is fully extinguished.
Earlier in the day, officials reported the fire was about 80% contained, and all evacuation and pre-evacuation orders had already been lifted. An evacuation shelter at Hanover Junior/Senior High School has since closed, after temporarily housing residents and their pets—including 20 people, 11 cats, 12 dogs, and five chickens.
Fire Chief Carl Tatum noted that at one point, the flames came within 1.5 to 2 miles of homes, particularly near Melody Road. Fortunately, no structures were lost, a significant relief given the fire’s rapid growth and proximity to residential areas.
The blaze began Wednesday afternoon near Hanover Road and Hammer Road, quickly expanding from an estimated 100–200 acres to over 4,000 acres within hours, fueled by dry conditions, heat, and strong winds. Firefighters initially used aerial resources overnight before transitioning to ground operations.
While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, officials have stated they do not suspect criminal activity.
Even with containment achieved, residents are being advised to stay alert. Fire crews warn that ash columns, blowing ash, and dust devils may still be visible due to ongoing dry conditions. Community members are encouraged to report anything unusual as crews continue cleanup and monitoring operations.
This incident serves as another reminder of how quickly wildfires can escalate under the right conditions—and how critical coordinated emergency response efforts are in preventing loss of life and property.
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