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Douglas County airport fire that burned part of Chatfield State Park sparked by passing train

Airport fire burned 130 acres, including 20 inside Chatfield State Park

The series of wildfires that sparked in Douglas County on Sunday, July 13, 2025, near Chatfield State Park was caused by a passing train, sheriff's officials said. (Photo courtesy of the South Metro Fire Rescue)
The series of wildfires that sparked in Douglas County on Sunday, July 13, 2025, near Chatfield State Park was caused by a passing train, sheriff’s officials said. (Photo courtesy of the South Metro Fire Rescue)
Lauren Penington of Denver Post portrait in Denver on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024. (Photo by Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)
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Wildfires that sparked Sunday near and south of Chatfield State Park in Douglas County were caused by a passing train, sheriff’s officials said.

South Metro Fire Rescue investigators believe activity from a train in the area ignited the Airport fire, according to a statement from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

Colorado wildfires: 4 Western Slope fires growing on thousands of acres

The wildfire, initially reported as a series of vegetation fires and quickly upgraded to a second-alarm wildland-urban interface fire, burned roughly 130 acres and evacuated the town of Louviers.

At least 20 acres were scorched inside Chatfield, Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesperson Kara Van Hoose said Sunday.

Investigators found "ignition indicators" along train tracks in the area and have video evidence of a train in the area at the time the fires started, sheriff's officials said.

South Metro officials said Monday the Airport fire was 90% contained.

Crews remained in the field on Wednesday and were still working toward fully containing the fire, according to the sheriff's office.


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