Brushfires broke out around Colorado and burned hundreds of acres Sunday as exceptionally high temperatures combined with wind gusts and sparks that ignited dry grass.
Firefighters scrambling to snuff flames reported no injuries to people or property. The sources of sparks weren’t certain, but authorities said that, given these combustible conditions with gusts up to 40 mph, a cigarette tossed out a window could be enough to start a fire.
“Even though our humidity levels are relatively high, the wind is providing an extra ingredient. We’ve certainly got dry fuel conditions, no precipitation in excess of three days, with the grasses already dead,” National Weather Service meteorologist Mike Baker said. “And we’ve been running well above average on temperatures.”
One fire broke out east of Denver and south of the Front Range Airport near Bennett, blackening 128 acres, a South Metro Fire dispatcher said Sunday evening. Bennett firefighters doused the blaze before sunset.
Video 1 of 2 – Helmet Cam video from SMFR Engine 33 attacking the McAurthur Ranch Fire with @LittletonFire
— South Metro Fire Rescue (@SouthMetroPIO)
Southeast of Colorado Springs, two fires burned about 200 acres, El Paso County sheriff’s spokeswoman Jackie Kirby said. “Those fires are contained,” Kirby said Sunday night.
Hanover Rd grass fire // Photo from Karen Oerter
— KOAA News5 (@KOAA)
A smaller grass fire broke out near homes in the Highlands Ranch suburb, south of Denver. It also was classified as contained Sunday night.
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No injuries or damage to buildings was reported.
Brush fires also burned around Fort Collins in recent days, and two fires were ignited by people illegally shooting guns in the Pawnee National Grasslands on Saturday. They spread across an estimated 832 acres.
The temperatures along Colorado’s Front Range during the past two weeks have broken records for this time of year with highs in the upper 60s and 70s. Weather forecasters said more warm temperatures are expected before the end of this week.