JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. — The 153-acre fire that erupted near C-470 and S. Kipling Parkway on Monday afternoon was caused by a person or people, West Metro Fire said Tuesday morning, though the details on how it started are under investigation.
Tuesday afternoon, West Metro Fire announced a suspect had been identified, however their identity has not been released. Fire investigators are working with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office on this case.
The sheriff's office confirmed they are investigating this incident as an arson case.
The fire, which is now 70% contained, started just west of the Westerly Apartments, located at S. Kipling Parkway and C-470, in an open space with several trails.
Multiple roads were closed around the fire after it was first reported and residents in Ken Caryl Valley and the Westerly Apartments were briefly evacuated.
Late Monday, the wind kicked up, which made some embers glow brighter inside the fire perimeter. Crews stayed around the fire all night to monitor it.
Firefighters will continue to work at the scene Wednesday morning.
No structures were burned and nobody was injured.
