BOULDER, Colorado – Colorado crews let hundreds of evacuees return to their scorched homes yesterday as investigators probed the cause of a devastating wildfire that has burned ten square miles near Boulder.
A senior law enforcement official familiar with the investigation told the Denver Post that authorities were looking into whether a fire pit sparked the blaze, which could mean criminal charges were possible.
Authorities previously said the fire might have started after a vehicle crashed into a propane tank. The sheriff’s office was aware of Post’s article but wouldn’t comment on the cause or origin of the fire because it’s under investigation, said Sarah Huntley, a spokeswoman for the fire response.
Utility workers were restoring electricity to homes where about 2 000 residents have been allowed to return in the rugged foothills above Boulder. Much of the area is dangerous because of downed power lines and poles, damaged roads and exposed mine shafts, officials said.
Firefighting operations were being scaled back and some crews are being relieved six days after the wildfire erupted and quickly destroyed at least 169 homes.
Fire spokesman Terry Krasko said yesterday firefighters had been overwhelmed by the community’s gratitude and were especially touched by a wall of thank-you notes at their command camp. (AP)
