Rash Of Brush Fires Proof That Wildfire Danger Is On The Rise
BOULDER COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) - Colorado's recent hot and dry weather is increasing the fire risk and grass fires have been breaking out all along the Front Range.
Authorities say it's now a good time to very careful with fire as the temperatures are getting even hotter. Although there haven't been any Red Flag Warnings, it doesn't mean brush fires won't easily break out.
One grass fire broke out Tuesday in Westminster and a total of 10 acres burned in a field near the Vestas Wind Systems plant in Brighton. The fire then spread into nearby storage trailers.
In the Brighton fire the landowner was doing some metal cutting when brush caught on fire. Fifteen firefighters had the blaze completely out in a little over an hour.
Another brush fire broke out in Boulder County on Wednesday that showed just how fast a fire can get out of control in the hot and dry conditions. The fire started in a field near 65th Street and Nelson Road when the property owners tried to eliminate prairie dogs by infusing their holes with gas and lighting them on fire. It's a technique known as the Rodentator.
Although the Boulder County fire spread into nearby vegetation, the sheriff's department is considering the fire an industrial accident.
Wildfire Resources
- Visit CBSDenver.com's Living With Wildfire section.
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.
