[1/5] A statue stands amidst the remains of homes destroyed by the Marshall Fire in Louisville, Colorado, U.S. December 31, 2021.
REUTERS/Alyson McClaran/File PhotoDENVER, June 8 (Reuters) - Colorado's costliest wildfire on record started from fierce winds that damaged power lines and unearthed smoldering embers from a controlled burn days earlier, sparking two blazes that merged into a deadly conflagration, authorities said on Thursday.
The sheriff's report was released as a group of two dozen homeowners and community members filed a lawsuit against Xcel Energy, the utility whose wind-damaged power lines the sheriff's office cited as having contributed to the deadly fire.
Both the sheriff's office and local prosecutors determined there was insufficient evidence of criminal conduct in connection with the blaze and determined that charges would be filed, the sheriff's statement said.
Reporting by Keith Coffman in Denver; Editing by Steve Gorman and Michael PerryOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
Persons:
Alyson McClaran, Investigators, Marshall, Biden, Keith Coffman, Steve Gorman, Michael Perry
Organizations:
Marshall Fire, REUTERS, DENVER, Sheriff's, Xcel Energy, Energy, Thomson
Locations:
Louisville , Colorado, U.S, Boulder, Boulder County, Denver, Colorado