Electrocuted bird falls to ground, sparks brush fire in Colorado

DENVER (KDVR) — Wildfire danger is high in Colorado, so much so that a fallen bird was to blame for a Wednesday wildfire near a restaurant in Morrison.

Fire crews responded to the fire Wednesday afternoon near Colorado State Highway 8 and U.S. 285. It burned about three acres of grass and brush oak.

The fire was contained within about an hour, and fire investigators soon discovered its cause: a bird.

On Thursday, West Metro Fire Rescue said a bird was electrocuted by overhead power lines. The bird caught fire, fell to the ground and ignited the grass and brush below.

Someone responded to the fire department's post, asking: "What are the odds of that?"

"Well, it happens," West Metro responded. "Not all the time, but, it happens."

Wednesday's fire occurred as four other wildfires were burning along the Front Range: the Alexander Mountain, Quarry, Stone Canyon and Lake Shore fires. Fire crews have said hot and dry conditions have posed a challenge, along with resources stretched thin by other fires across the Western U.S.

While hazy skies remain, the Front Range could see some relief soon from the fire-friendly conditions. Friday brings the chance of afternoon rain and thunderstorms, with more showers in the forecast next week.