A wildfire in Waterton Canyon, sparked by rodents chewing on live wires in an electrical box, was doused by firefighters with West Metro Fire and Rescue.
The half-acre fire burned on a steep and rugged slope near the Strontia Springs Dam, WMFR said in a Wednesday morning tweet.
High humidity overnight helped firefighters in battling the fire. Firefighters built a hose line to get water upslope while others dug a containment line around the perimeter. Crews continue to work on and monitor hot spots in the burn area. No structures were threatened and no injuries reported, WMFR said. The rodent compromised electrical box shorted out, arcing and then sparking dry grass around it.
The Strontia Springs Dam is about 6 miles upstream from the mouth of Waterton Canyon on the South Platte River. The area is home to assorted wildlife, including big horn sheep, mule deer, black bears and mountain lions. The canyon, west of Roxborough, is a popular spot for hiking, biking, fishing and wildlife viewing.
