A rash of fires in Lakewood early Saturday morning left six horses dead in a barn and fire investigators concerned over the very suspicious blazes.
Three fires were within a block, and a fourth was about a mile away, officials said.
Firefighters first responded to Fourth Avenue and Sheridan Boulevard around 2:45 a.m. for a dumpster and tire fire, said Gary Armstrong, district fire chief with West Metro Fire Protection District.
Shortly after, firefighters were called to a burning barn near the 5400 block of West Third Avenue.
“Tragically, the fire at the barn resulted in six horses perishing, but four were saved,” Armstrong said. “But six did die, so that was absolutely heartbreaking.”
Because the fires were so close in proximity and time, investigators believe they’re linked.
Another fire broke out at 22nd Avenue and Sheridan Boulevard soon after the barn fire.
“We don’t know if that one is related,” Armstrong said.
West Metro Fire District, the Colorado Bureau of Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are conducting interviews, trying to track down the origin of these fires. All are considered suspicious.
