Ashes Sparked Colo. Fire That Burned Firefighters
ARVADA, Colo. --
A fire that heavily damaged two Arvada homes and hospitalized two firefighters was caused by "hot charcoal ashes that were carelessly left in a gas barbecue grill," a fire official said Thursday.
The burning embers, whipped into flames by rising winds, triggered a fire early Sunday that gutted two homes and forced the temporary evacuation of 15 nearby houses, authorities said.
Two Arvada firefighters battling the blaze suffered burns on their upper extremities and continue to recover at a local hospital, said Arvada fire spokesman Scott Pribble. They are expected to make a full recovery.
The hot ashes, left by someone hosting a home barbecue at 6555 Union St. Saturday night, were rekindled by high winds several hours later and ignited some boxes and dried leaves in the backyard, Pribble said.
The fire spread rapidly, fueled by a nearly full 5-gallon gas can and barbecue propane cylinder in the yard, he said.
Winds blowing north soon ignited a neighboring home, which suffered the worst damage, Pribble said.
Fire investigators are working with Arvada police on the ongoing investigation, Pribble said. Police could not be reached for comment Thursday afternoon.
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