Flock of Flaming Birds Responsible for Colorado Wildfire

Just after 5:00 p.m. on August 27, West Metro Fire responded to a fire that started in the Roxborough area near a waste and sewage treatment plant. The wildfire grew to approximately 16 acres and prompted a voluntary evacuation notice, but was fully contained by 7:00 p.m. thanks to a quick response.

Although this fire had relatively minor consequences and was short-lived, the way it started is worth discussing further.

According to West Metro Fire, an investigation revealed the fire started when a flock of birds were electrocuted by electrical equipment and fell to the dry grass in flames.

This is the third wildfire in Colorado to have started this way in recent weeks, following two others that started on July 31 and July 13, respectively. The latest fire grew to 2,700 acres in the Byers area.

This is an example of why it is always important to be alert for new fires when traveling through the state, as fires can still occur even when there is no lightning or people present.

When it comes to keeping birds away from power lines and electrical equipment, it can be tricky. A company called WhirlyBird Repeller produces a product that uses four tactics to do this: predator disguise, motion and sound, scattered light, and randomness to prevent adaptation. That said, it would take the approval and effort of officials and utilities to introduce a device of this nature on a large scale.

As birds are likely to continue to pose a fire hazard, it is vital that the public reports any potential smoke development quickly to help limit the impact.