Sheriff: Yuma Co. Wildfire Caused By Downed Power Line

YUMA, Colo. (CBS4)- A downed power line is the official cause of the massive wildfire in Yuma County last weekend.

The Heartstrong Fire burned 24,000 acres near Yuma on March 18. The Yuma Co. Sheriff's Office determined that high winds blew over a power line which ignited dry grass.

The fire has been ruled an accident and no charges will be filed against the power company.

Three firefighters were injured fighting the wildfire.

Residents on Colorado's Eastern Plains are still trying to determine the extent of damage and the number of farm animals killed following a wildfire that charred more than 37 square miles on Sunday.

Two homes were destroyed and the Colorado Farm Bureau says farmers and ranchers lost miles of fences as well as hay and grass. The bureau has set up a fund to help them and will host a benefit in Yuma on Saturday.

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