ORDWAY, Colo.—A wildfire that left two firefighters dead, charred 8,900 acres of grassland and destroyed at least eight homes started in a trash and hay pile that had been intentionally burned but not fully extinguished.
Investigators with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation found no criminal acts and did not recommend charges for the private property owner. The fire started south of Ordway and ignited dry grass and debris under a wood-beamed bridge over a ditch on Colorado 96.
John Schwartz Jr. and Terry DeVore died Tuesday when their fire engine drove into the ditch after the fire weakened bridge collapsed as they were rushing to the fire.
As firefighters battled the flames, another fire erupted from another intentional burn on private property about two hours after the first blaze erupted, fire information officer Chris Sorensen said. No criminal acts were found there either, CBI investigators said.
Most of the state was under a red flag warning Tuesday when the fires erupted, signifying high fire danger because of low humidity, above-average temperatures, and high winds. Sorensen said no fire burning permits were issued that day.
In all, 24 homes and 12 outbuildings, such as sheds and free-standing garages, were damaged or destroyed, including eight homes within Ordway town limits.
About 200 people gathered Friday for Schwartz’ funeral in Fowler, a town near Ordway.
A joint memorial service for Schwartz and DeVore was set for Saturday morning at Crowley County High School.
Fort Carson officials say containment of a wildfire that killed a firefighting pilot is at 75 percent.
Army and El Paso County officials haven’t yet pinpointed what started the 13 1/2-square-mile fire on the Army base south of Colorado Springs. It was one of three that spread quickly Tuesday on a dry, gusty day with above-average temperatures.
Garfield County sheriff’s officials say the 1 1/2-square-mile fire near Carbondale in western Colorado was started by embers from a controlled burn before it was fully contained Wednesday.
