BOULDER — The Olde Stage fire, which burned more than 2,500 acres and claimed two barns and damaged several homes, was caused by a cable line that was blown into contact with a power line, Boulder sheriff’s Cmdr. Phil West said Wednesday afternoon.
When the cable came into contact with the power line, it created an arc that showered the ground with sparks, igniting the fire, West said. The incident was witnessed by an area resident who immediately notified the sheriff’s communications center and told dispatchers that the fire was spreading rapidly because of strong winds.
West said that investigators from the Sheriff’s Office and Xcel Energy determined the cause Tuesday.
The Olde Stage and Neva Road fires on Jan. 7 caused evacuation warnings to be sent to more than 11,000 Boulder County residents. Dozens of livestock also were moved to safety.
Investigators determined last week that the Neva Road fire, which destroyed one house, was caused by a downed power line that fell on a wire fence. Howard Pankratz, The Denver Post
