2 homes feared lost in 2nd Colorado wildfire; crews, aircraft from week-old fire helping

2 homes feared lost in second Colorado wildfire

LOVELAND, Colo. — Authorities in Colorado say a wildfire that destroyed at least 166 homes was most likely sparked by a fire pit.

Boulder County sheriff’s Cmdr. Rick Brough said Monday that a homeowner made a fire in the pit days before the wildfire broke out and doused it with water and stirred the ashes to put it out. Investigators believe gusty winds Sept. 6 reignited the embers and blew them out of the fire pit, starting the wildfire that turned into one of the worst in the state’s history.

Authorities haven’t decided whether the owner will face criminal charges.

More residents who lost homes in that fire were able to return to see the damage Monday. About 300 firefighters, meanwhile, were fighting another wildfire about 35 miles away near Loveland.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

LOVELAND, Colo. (AP) — Boulder County authorities say a wildfire that destroyed at least 166 homes was most likely sparked by a fire pit.

Sheriff’s Cmdr. Rick Brough said Monday that the homeowner had made a fire in the pit days before the wildfire broke out and doused it with water and stirred the ashes to put it out. Investigators believe that gusty winds on Sept. 6 reiginited the embers and blew them out of the fire pit, starting the wildfire that turned into one of the worst in the state’s history.

Authorities haven’t decided whether the owner will face criminal charges.

More residents who lost homes in that fire were able to return to see the damage on Monday. About 300 firefighters, meanwhile, were fighting another wildfire near Loveland.