A scary situation involving suspected arson unfolded at a popular Colorado Springs park during the early morning hours of April 22.

According to a report from the Colorado Springs Police Department, an officer noticed “a large amount of smoke” in the area of North Academy Boulevard and Maizeland Road at about 4:48 a.m. Around the same time, a Colorado Springs Park Ranger reported a fire burning in Palmer Park near parking lot 12.

The Colorado Springs Fire Department was dispatched to the scene, with a drone from Real Time Crime Center also deployed, soon able to locate an “active wildfire.” This was particularly concerning as Wednesday was forecasted to bring dangerous fire weather conditions. The park was soon closed to the public during the response.

The drone operator directed firefighting crews to the scene of the blaze, with it determined that two separate fires were underway totaling less than a quarter-acre. As crews started work to extinguish the fires, a Colorado Springs Fire Department drone was deployed to monitor the scene.

During the firefighting response, firefighters spotted a person described as “suspicious” standing on a nearby rock formation, watching the efforts of the fire crews. At that time, the drone operators were directed to monitor the individual, who started to walk away from the area.

Colorado Springs Police Department officers were able to make contact with the person, identified as 21-year-old Cadence Malkin. Malkin reportedly admitted to officers that she had started the fires and was then taken into custody.

It was reported that the fires were knocked down and contained by about 6 a.m. with a 7:30 a.m. update from the Colorado Springs Fire Department indicating that Palmer Park would remain closed during an investigation into the situation. Around 8:30 a.m., Palmer Park reopened.

Palmer Park spans about 730 acres and is known for being a rugged escape within the middle of Colorado Springs. With rocky outcroppings, plenty of trail, and stretching views of the city and mountains, it has no problem attracting plenty of locals.

While the latest reports from the Colorado Springs Fire Department and the Colorado Springs Police Department didn’t address whether or not anyone would face charges related to the fires, all suspects mentioned in this case are to be considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Any charge any suspect faces is merely an accusation.

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