A wildfire in Waterton Canyon, sparked by rodents chewing on live wires in an electrical box, was doused by firefighters with .
The half-acre fire burned on a steep and rugged slope near the , WMFR said in a Wednesday morning tweet.
While you were sleeping…. WMFR on a wildfire in Waterton Canyon early this morning. The fire burned about half an acre near the Strontia Springs Dam on a steep and rugged slope. Crews were able to quickly slow the fire's progress, thanks in part- to high humidity overnight. 1/3
— WestMetroFire (@WestMetroFire)
High humidity overnight helped firefighters in battling the fire. Firefighters built a hose line to get water upslope while others dug a containment line around the perimeter. Crews continue to work on and monitor hot spots in the burn area. No structures were threatened and no injuries reported, WMFR said. The rodent compromised electrical box shorted out, arcing and then sparking dry grass around it.
The Strontia Springs Dam is about 6 miles upstream from the mouth of Waterton Canyon on the South Platte River. The area is home to assorted wildlife, including big horn sheep, mule deer, black bears and mountain lions. The canyon, west of Roxborough, is a popular spot for hiking, biking, fishing and wildlife viewing.
