Colorado wildfire that forced evacuations may be man-made

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The so-called Sunshine Fire that broke out near the University of Colorado in Boulder and which prompted the evacuation of over 425 homes in the drought-hit region may be man-made, authorities say. (Photo grabbed from Reuters video)
The so-called Sunshine Fire that broke out near the University of Colorado in Boulder and which prompted the evacuation of over 425 homes in the drought-hit region may be man-made, authorities say. (Photo grabbed from Reuters video)

COLORADO, UNITED STATES (Reuters) — A wildfire near the University of Colorado in Boulder that may be man-made burned about 62 acres (25 hectares) of woodland on Sunday (March 19) and prompted the evacuation of 426 homes in the drought-hit region, authorities said.

The fire in Sunshine Canyon, just outside the university town, started before dawn on Sunday, with no injuries or damage to structures reported, said Commander Mike Wagner, a spokesman for the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office. The Boulder Office of Emergency Management said the blaze was 50 percent contained.

Authorities have ruled out a lightning strike or other natural cause for the fire. The area is crossed by hiking trails and is home to transient camps, Wagner said.