No Accelerant Detected at Black Forest Fire Start

Early indications suggest Colorado’s most destructive wildfire wasn’t intentionally set.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office says neither a dog nor specialized equipment have been able to detect an obvious signs of accelerants in the wooded area where the Black Forest Fire started. In a statement Wednesday, however, the office says its use can’t be ruled out completely.

The fire destroyed over 500 homes and killed two people.

Investigators are considering a number of intentional or accidental causes, including sparks from machinery and hot components on motors and exhaust systems.

The sheriff’s office issued the statement following television coverage of investigators entering a home that had reportedly been undergoing renovations. Officials say they’ve executed multiple search warrants and that activities spotted at any one home doesn’t mean there’s stronger interest in it.