Multiple homes destroyed in 1,150-acre fire near Byers

DENVER (KDVR) — Several homes were destroyed in a 1,150-acre fire south of Byers in Arapahoe County on Saturday. As of 3:05 p.m., the fire was 100% contained.

The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office has now issued a Stage 1 burn ban, which means no open burning of any kind. It will be in effect until further notice.

The fire began in the area of 2400 Quail Hollow Road south of Interstate 70. A 3-mile area was evacuated for the fire, but homeowners were allowed to begin returning to their homes as of Saturday afternoon.

There were no injuries reported as of 3:30 p.m.

Arapahoe County Sheriff Tyler S. Brown said the fire was first reported at 10:10 a.m. It was originally reported as being the size of a football field but “grew quickly” and jumped County Road 34 south to County Road 38. It had grown to 1,150 acres by the time it was completely contained.

Eight structures were destroyed. Brown said a breakdown of which were homes and outbuildings was to come.

Brown said many farmers from the local area coordinated with fire crews to use their equipment in fighting the fire and were also working with officials to find a place to keep any displaced livestock.

“This is a very tight-knit community that provides help for each other in times of need like this,” Brown said.

The Arapahoe County fairgrounds were available to take any displaced animals.

An investigation into the cause of the fire was ongoing.

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