The Colorado wildfire that ravaged an area of 15 square miles and destroyed 48 buildings, including over half being homes, has been confirmed as human-caused, according to investigators who made the announcement on Friday. The blaze, known as the Alexander Mountain Fire, occurred near Loveland, situated about an hour’s drive to the north of Denver. It was one of several wildfires that erupted late last month, posing threats to urban areas located both north and south of the state’s capital. Fortunately, most of the wildfires have since been brought under control. Tragically, one casualty was recorded as a person was found dead in one of the burned buildings.
U.S. Forest Service investigators, collaborating with the local sheriff’s office, have refrained from revealing further details on whether the Alexander Mountain Fire was deliberately ignited or if there are any suspects in the case. A report released by the Larimer County Assessor on Thursday indicated that a total of 27 homes were completely destroyed, alongside 21 outbuildings, with an additional four homes sustaining damage in the fire.
Authorities suspect that another fire, which occurred simultaneously south of Loveland, also resulted from human activity. The wildfires in Colorado were among nearly 100 blazes that were burning across the United States towards the end of last month. These fires prompted the evacuation of thousands of individuals, while firefighters bravely tackled the flames in challenging and often perilously steep terrain. The sound of helicopters and planes flying back and forth between reservoirs and the fire zones was a common occurrence as emergency responders worked tirelessly to contain the blazes.
