Poudre Fire Authority investigators determined the cause of a home fire on March 8th near Horsetooth Reservoir.

Ashes were taken from a stove inside the home at 3408 Continental Circle while still warm. They were placed in a metal container outside the house on the porch and near a pile of wood used for fueling the stove. It’s believed that embers from inside the container escaped and started the fire that destroyed the two-story home.

The fire caused an estimated $495,000 in damage, destroying a boat, motorcycle, two trailers and camper, in addition to the home.

Strong winds and difficult terrain made for worse fire conditions in this case. However, firefighters were successfully able to contain the fire to the one home and prevent the spread to nearby houses – or hillside vegetation -- ultimately preventing what could have been an even more devastating wildfire.

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