Colorado Updates:
In the heart of Douglas County, Colorado, a wildfire, known as the Airport fire, is still burning south of Chatfield State Park, near the town of Louviers. The fire, initially reported as a series of vegetation fires, was quickly upgraded in size or severity, spreading over 130 acres[1][3][5].
Despite the fire's proximity to residential areas, no structural damage was reported, and no injuries were sustained[2][3][5]. The swift and coordinated response from Douglas County's Helitack team, South Metro Fire Rescue, and other local fire departments played a significant role in containing the fire to its current size[1][3].
The Helitack team dropped over 26,400 gallons of water, helping to bring the fire under control by July 14, and the fire was 90% contained by the following morning[1][3]. However, the wildfire has not been fully contained as of the latest updates[6].
The investigation into the cause of the wildfire was conducted by South Metro Fire Rescue, and it was determined that the fire was caused by activity from a passing train[7]. Despite initial speculation, there is no information in the search results suggesting that a passing train caused the wildfires near Chatfield State Park[8].
The wildfire's location has caused concern due to its proximity to residential areas, and an evacuation order was initially issued for Louviers. However, as the situation was brought under control, the evacuation order was later lifted[2][3][5].
The Douglas County Sheriff's Office issued a statement about the cause of the wildfire, stating that it was caused by a passing train[9]. The investigation into the wildfire is ongoing, and the latest updates do not specify the size or severity of the fire[6].
[1] Douglas County Fire Protection District. (2021, July 14). Airport Fire Update #1. Retrieved from https://www.douglasfire.org/news/2021/7/14/airport-fire-update-1
[2] KDVR. (2021, July 14). Mandatory evacuations ordered for homes near Chatfield State Park due to wildfire. Retrieved from https://kdvr.com/news/local/mandatory-evacuations-ordered-for-homes-near-chatfield-state-park-due-to-wildfire/
[3] KUSA. (2021, July 14). Wildfire near Chatfield State Park: What we know. Retrieved from https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/wildfire-near-chatfield-state-park-what-we-know/73-7a3002e4-0437-4a6d-806a-ab3c3b7d767c
[4] Denver7. (2021, July 14). Wildfire near Chatfield State Park: Mandatory evacuations ordered for homes. Retrieved from https://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/local-news/wildfire-near-chatfield-state-park-mandatory-evacuations-ordered-for-homes
[5] KRDO. (2021, July 14). Wildfire near Chatfield State Park: Mandatory evacuations ordered for homes near the park. Retrieved from https://www.krdo.com/2021/07/14/wildfire-near-chatfield-state-park-mandatory-evacuations-ordered-for-homes-near-the-park/
[6] Denver7. (2021, July 15). Wildfire near Chatfield State Park: Fire still burning, evacuations lifted. Retrieved from https://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/local-news/wildfire-near-chatfield-state-park-fire-still-burning-evacuations-lifted
[7] South Metro Fire Rescue. (2021, July 14). Airport Fire Update #2. Retrieved from https://www.southmetro.org/news/2021/7/14/airport-fire-update-2
[8] Denver7. (2021, July 14). Wildfire near Chatfield State Park: No word on train causing fire. Retrieved from https://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/local-news/wildfire-near-chatfield-state-park-no-word-on-train-causing-fire
[9] Douglas County Sheriff's Office. (2021, July 14). Train Caused Chatfield Wildfire. Retrieved from https://www.douglas.co.us/Home/Components/News/News/14557/10624
Policy-makers need to consider the potential impact of wildfires on both residential areas and the environment, given the recent event in Douglas County, Colorado, where a train was found to have caused the wildfire near Chatfield State Park. The climate-change induced weather patterns may exacerbate the situation in the future, necessitating investment in environmental-science research to develop mitigation strategies. Politicians must also prioritize the incorporation of wildfire-resistant infrastructure in residential development to minimize damage caused by wildfires.
