A brush fire burned 35 acres near Denver Water’s Foothill water treatment plant after a group of birds became electrocuted by power equipment, then fell onto dry grass, sparking the blaze. (Video courtesy: West Metro Fire Rescue)
ROXBOROUGH, Colo. — A group of birds that were unfortunately electrocuted when they hit power equipment Tuesday afternoon ended up triggering a brush fire that scorched 35 acres in Colorado.
The group of birds caught fire after the incident, providing a spark that eventually ignited the nearby grass and brush in Roxborough near Denver Water’s Foothills treatment plant, according to West Metro Fire Rescue officials.
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A brush fire burns in Roxborough, Colorado on Aug. 27, 2024. (West Metro Fire Rescue)
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A brush fire burns in Roxborough, Colorado on Aug. 27, 2024. (West Metro Fire Rescue)
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A brush fire burns in Roxborough, Colorado on Aug. 27, 2024. (West Metro Fire Rescue)
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A brush fire burns in Roxborough, Colorado on Aug. 27, 2024. (West Metro Fire Rescue)
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A brush fire burns in Roxborough, Colorado on Aug. 27, 2024. (West Metro Fire Rescue)
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze and a county helicopter made several water drops on the spreading flames. Douglas County Sheriff’s deputies issued voluntary evacuation orders for nearby residents.
The wildfire was 100% contained by later that evening and the voluntary evacuation order has since been canceled.
“This was a close call tonight!” West Metro Fire Rescue officials said.