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153-acre Oak Fire near C-470 and Kipling was 'human-caused,' suspect identified by fire officials

The fire was 70% contained on Tuesday afternoon, according to West Metro Fire.

COLORADO, USA — A suspect has been identified in connection to the Oak Fire, which started Monday near C-470 and Kipling on Monday afternoon, West Metro Fire Rescue said Tuesday.  

Authorities previously said the fire was "human-caused," but have not released the suspect's name. 

The wildfire burned about 153 acres just north of Chatfield Reservoir near C-470 and Kipling, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office (JCSO).

The fire department said it started about 2:15 p.m. and reported that it was 70% contained on Tuesday night.

"The fire is determined to be human-caused," West Metro Fire said in a tweet. "It started directly west of the Westerly Apartments (at Kipling & 470) in an open space area with several trails & heavy foot traffic. The specific cause is still under investigation."

Twenty-five firefighters were working in steep terrain on Tuesday to extend the fire line around the perimeter and continue with mop-up, West Metro Fire said.

Both Ken Caryl Valley and an apartment complex were briefly put under mandatory evacuation orders, but those have since been lifted.

Both directions of C-470 were closed in the area as crews worked to put out the flames.

JCSO said the fire was burning on the hogback. Footage from SKY9 shows the the fire burned just up to a neighboring apartment complex and right along the highway before winds drove the flames north and west.

The smoke plume could be seen from downtown Littleton.

Fortunately, the sheriff's office said shifting winds helped bring the fire back to the area it had already burned, slowing its growth. 

A single engine air tanker was called from Fort Collins and made at least one drop over the fire.

Fire behavior had lessened significantly by Monday evening as crews continued putting out hot spots.

No structures burned in the fire. 

While we don't know what caused the fire at this time, meteorologist Chris Bianchi said fire danger is higher than usual for this time of year because it's been significantly drier than usual along the urban corridor. 

Since Aug. 1, Littleton has received 1.91" of rainfall. The area usually sees an average of 5.39 inches of rainfall during the same time frame.

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