Colo. Authorities Identify Five Suspects in Wildfire

January 18, 2006

Jefferson County, Colo., authorities said they were considering charges against five teenagers suspected of starting a fire that burned about 2,700 acres and destroyed two small buildings last week.

The fire prompted evacuations of 130 homes. Residents were allowed to go home after the fire was fully contained.

Sheriff’s spokesman Jim Shires said the boys, two 17-year-olds and three 18-year-olds, could face charges including fourth-degree arson, trespassing, criminal mischief and tampering. Names of the older boys will be released when charges are filed, Shires said.

He said the investigation was still underway.

Shires has said the fire started at an abandoned, empty shed.

Meanwhile, the most destructive of three wildfires that flared up with high winds around Colorado this week was reported 45 percent contained Friday.

The blaze in Huerfano and Las Animas counties in southern Colorado was measured at 3,878 acres, down from the previously reported 4,500 acres, because of better mapping, said fire information officer Ralph Bellah. He said about 60 firefighters were working Friday.

That blaze also is believed to have been caused by humans and remains under investigation, authorities have said. It destroyed five houses and 10 outbuildings.

Berthoud fire officials are investigating the cause of a 300-acre fire near Carter Lake on Sunday that forced evacuation of at least three dozen homes. That fire was brought under control Monday.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Wildfire Colorado

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