Electrocuted Birds Cause Grass Fire Near Denver Plant

A grass fire that broke out near a water treatment plant in a suburb of Denver, Colo., was caused by electrocuted birds that burst into flames and ignited the grass when they fell, officials said.

West Metro Fire said 43 firefighters and a helicopter crew worked to extinguish the grass fire on Tuesday in the Roxborough Park area of Douglas County, near a Denver water treatment facility.

"The fire was caused by a group of birds that were electrocuted by power equipment, caught fire and then fell to the ground, igniting the dry grass below," the fire department said.

On Wednesday, the fire department said the fire burned a total of about 35 acres, and shared drone footage showing a large swath of scorched earth.

Story via TMX