No Accelerant Detected At Black Forest Fire Start
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — Early indications suggest Colorado's most destructive wildfire wasn't intentionally set.
The El Paso County Sheriff's Office says neither a dog nor specialized equipment have been able to detect an obvious signs of accelerants in the wooded area where the Black Forest Fire started. In a statement Wednesday, however, the office says its use can't be ruled out completely.
The fire destroyed over 500 homes and killed two people.
Investigators are considering a number of intentional or accidental causes, including sparks from machinery and hot components on motors and exhaust systems.
The sheriff's office issued the statement following television coverage of investigators entering a home that had reportedly been undergoing renovations. Officials say they've executed multiple search warrants and that activities spotted at any one home doesn't mean there's stronger interest in it.
(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
Wildfire Resources
- Visit CBSDenver.com's Wildfire Resources section.
- Read recent Wildfire stories.
Wildfire Photo Galleries
- See images from the most destructive wildfires (Black Forest, Waldo Canyon, High Park and Fourmile) and largest wildfire (Hayman) in Colorado history.