The Golden Fire Department, along with the assistance of other agencies, responded to two small grass fires on July 10 and July 11.

The July 10 fire occurred near westbound I-70 at C-470 near the Morrison exit in the afternoon.

Social media sources state trash blew out of a truck and hit power lines and ignited. Firefighters say the cause is still under investigation.

Called the Hogback Fire, it began shortly before 3:45 p.m., and closed both lanes of westbound I-70 for a short time. Firefighters report using 21 aerial water bucket drops to fight it. Four acres burned. The freeway opened shortly after 8 p.m. and firefighters cleared the scene by 9:05 p.m.

The July 11 fire occurred at about 12:30 p.m. along Highway 40 near Heritage Square and Colfax Avenue. The highway was shut down briefly while fire crews extinguished the fire, which took about 15 minutes. Less than a quarter acre burned.

Golden Fire Department confirmed a Roman candle that was found at the ignition point.

Hot windy conditions have increased fire danger in the area. The county initiated a stage 1 fire restriction on July 10, banning outdoor fires including campfires and bon fires, as well as all smoking at recreational sites or smoking within six feet of combustible vegetation. The city of Golden also declared a stage 1 fire restriction.The Golden Fire Department, along with the assistance of other agencies, responded to two small grass fires on July 10 and July 11.

The July 10 fire occurred near westbound I-70 at C-470 near the Morrison exit in the afternoon.

Social media sources state the cause of the fire was trash that blew out of a truck and hit power lines and ignited.

The fire Closed both lanes of westbound I-70 for a short time. It was contained and the freeway opened shortly after 8 p.m.

The July 11 fire occurred at about 12:30 p.m. along Highway 40 near Heritage Square and Colfax Avenue. The highway was shut down briefly while fire crews extinguished the fire, which, according to social media sources, was put out within minutes.

The cause of the fire is thought to be a Roman candle that was found at the ignition point, according to the Golden Fire-Rescue’s Facebook page.

Hot windy conditions have increased fire danger in the area. The county initiated a stage 1 fire restriction on July 10, banning outdoor fires including campfires and bon fires, as well as all smoking at recreational sites or smoking within six feet of combustible vegetation. The city of Golden also declared a stage 1