Brush fire was likely started by discarded cigarette or marijuana product despite outdoor smoking ban

The Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office issued a stern reminder related to wildfire safety in recent days after responding to a brush fire that’s believed to have been started by a discarded cigarette or marijuana product on July 12.

According to a press release on the matter, the blaze was reported in the area of the 1800 block of Miner Street in Idaho Springs at about 6:50 p.m., behind a local business.

Deputies from the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office, along with Idaho Springs police and Clear Creek Fire Authority responded, with the blaze quickly handled via fire extinguishers. Video from the scene, however, shows active flames and plenty of smoke, and it’s easy to imagine how a fire like this could get out of control with plenty of fuel appearing to be present in the area.

“Now I know I’m preaching to the Clear Creek County choir – our residents are on very high alert regarding fire danger,” wrote the sheriff’s office. “But it never hurts to have a reminder. Therefore, please share this reminder with those who may be inclined to light up outdoors, so that they don’t actually light up our outdoors! See less”

Smoking anything outdoors has been banned in Clear Creek County since Stage 2 Fire Restrictions were enacted on June 29. This situation provides a great example of why.

STAY INFORMED: Get free Colorado news with our daily newsletter (Click here)


PREV

PREVIOUS

Officials reveal fire burning near Colorado mountain town was human-caused

With containment of the 6,408-acre Willow Fire near Leadville at 29 percent and some of the pre-evacuation notices lifting in recent days, officials have provided an update that’s likely to be met with disdain from locals – the blaze was human-caused. Officials did not note what that human cause was, or even address what evidence […]

NEXT

NEXT UP

Two climbers rescued from rock wall in Colorado after rappelling incident

On Sunday at about 6:30 p.m., Alpine Rescue Team out of the Evergreen area was notified about two climbers who were reportedly stuck mid-wall following a rappelling incident that took place west of Tunnel 2 in Clear Creek Canyon. This prompted an emergency response with search and rescue personnel teaming up with Golden Fire to […]


Welcome Back.

Streak: 9 days i

Stories you've missed since your last login:

Stories you've saved for later:

Recommended stories based on your interests:

Edit my interests