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Strong Winds Could Have Spread Intentionally-Set Fires In Jefferson County

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4)- Strong winds could have rapidly spread several grass fires intentionally set in Jefferson County.

According to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, the fires were set along a two-mile stretch between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. Monday from the 14700 block to the 18600 block of West 44th Avenue.

The brush along that roadway is overgrown and extremely dry.

"We had seven different fires start within that radius, all of which took off because we had wind yesterday," Jacki Kelley with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said. "All of which were put out quickly. Right now we know they appear to be intentionally set."

Golden Fire, Fairmount Fire and Pleasant View Fire kept the flames from spreading. That area has a bike path and railroad tracks.

"We have an arson investigator that worked the scene yesterday and he was able to rule out any other start, not related to weather, not related to vehicles, not related to a train, all of the roadway so we believe that they're intentionally set," said Kelley.

With recent windy weather and warmer temperatures the fire danger is already a big concern this year.

"Everyday is windy, it's dry in January, it gets worse as we get warmer so we want to identify this person," said Kelley.

Additional Information From The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office

Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area, or has information regarding these crimes are asked to call the Jeffco Sheriff's Office tip line at 303-271-5612.

Wildfire Resources

- Visit CBSDenver.com's Wildfire Resources section.

- Read recent Wildfire stories.

Wildfire Photo Galleries

- See images from the most destructive wildfires (Black Forest, Waldo Canyon, High Park and Fourmile) and largest wildfire (Hayman) in Colorado history.

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