Plane Lost in Battle Against Colorado Fire
Firefighters were working to control a wildfire near an upscale suburban neighborhood Wednesday but lost a single-engine airplane delivering retardant when it veered off a runway.
Authorities suspected a passing Union Pacific train sparked the wildfire, which forced the evacuation of approximately 90 homes about 10 miles west of Denver. Residents were allowed to return late Wednesday evening.
The airplane, carrying fire retardant for the U.S. Forest Service, was taking off from Jefferson County Airport in Broomfield when it went about 100 feet off the runway, damaging its landing gear and wings, said Jefferson County spokesman John Masson. The pilot, Steven Whary of San Angelo, Texas, was not injured.
The accident came nearly one month after an air tanker crashed while fighting a wildfire near Rocky Mountain National Park, killing two.
The Jefferson County fire was 80% contained Wednesday night. Some residents in the Blue Mountain Estates subdivision hosed down their decks and lawns as flames from the fire crept within a few yards of their homes. Fire got so close to one that it burned a hot tub cover.
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