The first frantic call for help as a wildfire gathered momentum in the foothills west of Boulder came from a longtime firefighter who was helpless as flames burst across his wooded property, devouring trees and torching a propane tank.
His breathless descriptions — captured on a dispatch tape — detailed the fury of a blaze that, by Wednesday evening, had charred more than 6,300 acres, leveled at least 135 homes and thrown thousands of mountain residents into limbo.
And they sparked confusion — leading many to conclude that the worst wildfire in Boulder County history was sparked when someone crashed into a propane tank.
The reality, however, is that it’s not clear what caused the blaze or exactly where or how it started. What is clear is that it erupted in a matter of minutes, fanned by high and erratic winds.
Full Story: Frantic calls from firefighter as flames raced through his property – The Denver Post
RESIDENTS FLEE AS COLORADO FIRE HIT HOMES