Deputies Search For Arson Suspect After 2 Boulder County Fires

BOULDER COUNTY, CO — Deputies are searching for a man who they believe intentionally started two small grass fires Tuesday morning near the Valmont Reservoir in Boulder County.

Deputies were called to Arapahoe Avenue and Valtec Lane around 2:15 a.m. for a welfare check, and found a man lying on a sidewalk. When a deputy approached the man, he ran away, officials said.

Deputies smelled smoke and saw a small fire nearby, the Boulder County Sheriff's Office said. Firefighters arrived and extinguished the fire.

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Then first responders spotted another small fire about 75 yards to the west, near Legion Park, officials said. Firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze.

While responding to the second fire, a deputy saw a man run across Arapahoe Ave. and head south into a field. The suspect was wearing clothing that matched the description of the man who was lying on the sidewalk during the welfare check, the sheriff's office said.

The description of the suspect was not released. An investigation was underway.