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Breckenridge wildfire was human-caused, investigators looking for 2 hikers

Jack Queen/Summit Daily
A helicopter dumps water on to the Peak 2 Fire near Breckenridge on Wednesday, July 5.
Dave Susko / Summit Daily reader

Investigators have determined that the Peak 2 Fire near Breckenridge was human-caused and are now seeking the identities of two people seen hiking on the Colorado Trail above Miners Creek Road junction at around 11 a.m. on July 5.

“After fire conditions moderated and it was safe to enter the area, fire investigators examined the point of origin and determined the Peak 2 Fire was human-caused,” acting Dillon District Ranger Kevin Warner said in a Tuesday afternoon news release. “This information is important in helping us determine the cause of the Peak 2 Fire. We appreciate any information the public can provide about these individuals.”

Reached by phone, Warner said he could not provide any additional detail due to the sensitive nature of the open investigation. He said that all ignition possibilities other than human activity had been ruled out.



Officials urge members of the public with information that might help identify the two individuals to call (970) 262-3486 and leave a message with their name, return phone number and a brief summary of the information they can provide.

The Peak 2 fire started on July 5 about two miles north of Breckenridge, quickly growing to 84 acres and prompting a two-day evacuation of more than 450 homes in the Peak 7 area.



More than 400 firefighters fought the blaze at its peak. It is now 85 percent contained and not expected to spread further.

So far, officials estimate the response has cost around $2 million and counting.


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