Flock of flaming birds blamed for sparking wildfire in Colorado

Just after 5 p.m. on August 27, West Metro Fire responded to a blaze that popped up in the area of Roxborough near a waste and sewage treatment plant. The wildfire grew to about 16 acres in size and prompted a voluntary evacuation notice, but was fully contained by 7 p.m. thanks to a quick response.

While this blaze was relatively non-consequential and short-lived, the way it was started makes it worth further discussion.

According to West Metro Fire , an investigation revealed that the fire was sparked when a group of birds were electrocuted by power equipment, falling to the dry grass below while in flames.

This marks the third instance in recent weeks where a Colorado wildfire has been sparked in this way, following two other fires that started on July 31 and July 13, respectively, the latter of which grew to 1,115 acres in size in the area of Byers.

This provides an example of why it's always important to be on the lookout for new fire starts while traveling around the state, as fires can still occur when no lightning or humans are present.

As far as keeping birds off power lines and away from electrical equipment goes, it can be tricky. One company called WhirlyBird Repeller produces a product that utilizes four tactics to do so – predator disguise, movement and sound, scattered light, and randomness to prevent adaptation. That said, it would be up to the approval and effort of officials and utility companies to introduce any sort of device of this nature on a large scale.

Given the likelihood that birds will continue to pose a fire risk, rapid public reporting of potential smoke is crucial to limit impacts.

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