Electrocuted birds to blame for brush fire in Roxborough

DENVER (KDVR) — Crews were responding to a brush fire on Tuesday afternoon in the Roxborough area near a Denver water treatment plant, which started because of a group of electrocuted birds .

The fire in the area of 6730 N. Rampart Range Road was initially estimated at around 2 acres but was increasing as of 5:16 p.m. West Metro Fire Rescue said the fire was reportedly near structures at the plant.

The fire had been contained as of a 6:25 p.m. update from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. A voluntary evacuation order issued for the areas of Rampart Range Road and Roxborough Park Road was lifted.

West Metro Fire said a group of birds was “electrocuted by power equipment, caught fire and fell to the ground, igniting the dry grass below.”

Douglas County’s helicopter was helping with fire suppression efforts. South Metro Fire Rescue also sent units to help with the fire.

Fire crews will continue checking on the burn area overnight.

Pinpoint Weather Chief Meteorologist Dave Fraser said wind was the driving factor for this fire.

“It’s not terribly strong, but it’s enough,” Fraser said.

The area is under Stage 1 fire restrictions.

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