Fallen Tree To Blame For Forest Fire

The fire that destroyed one home and burned more than 130 acres in the Pike National Forest was likely caused by a downed tree hitting a power line, officials said Thursday.

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Sparks were apparently released when winds gusting up to 50 miles per hour knocked a pine branch into power lines, investigators said.

The Cedar Mountain Fire started Tuesday afternoon on the edge of the national forest, a few miles from the town of Florissant, about 65 miles west of Colorado Springs.

The fire is mostly contained Thursday morning. It forced 10 families to evacuate.

Crews spent Wednesday mopping up hot spots in the area and keeping an eye on the weather.

Almost 100 firefighters from agencies as far away as Rapid City, S.D., are helping contain the fire.