Steamboat Pilot & Today

Investigators think electric heat lamps ignited a fire that killed 30 turkeys and threatened to start a wildfire Thursday night at a ranch about 12 miles southeast of Stagecoach.

Routt County Undersheriff Ray Birch said Friday that the fire was reported by Deputy Dara Bond, who was patrolling the area. Oak Creek Fire Protection District Chief Chuck Wisecup said a neighbor also reported the blaze at about 9 p.m. Thursday near mile marker 12 on Routt Count Road 16.

It is thought the fire started at an old shed where turkeys were being raised. Birch said it was possible a turkey knocked down one of the heat lamps, which were hung from the ceiling with baling wire. Straw covering the wood floor then could have caught fire.

The fire spread to another nearby shed, which contained saddles, two snowmobiles, two motorcycles and an all-terrain vehicle. Everything was destroyed. Investigators think the heat or embers from the fire ignited hay about 40 feet away.

Firefighters were able to keep the fire from spreading to the forest, which Birch said was about 100 to 150 feet away from the nearest shed.

CMC closes Frisbee golf course and nature trail

Colorado Mountain College’s Alpine Campus in Steamboat Springs has closed its Frisbee golf course and nature trail because school officials are concerned someone will start a fire.

“People are smoking and not being fire-conscious,” said Lynda Tieck, coordinator of student life at Alpine Campus. “The Frisbee golf course in on a ridge, and there are a number of neighbors very close to it. This summer it’s really dry up there.”

The golf baskets will be taken down and signs will be posted at the course entrance alerting all guests and users about the Stage 2 fire restrictions in place throughout the area.

CMC staff members also have dismantled fire rings that have been built on the land.

“We want to do our part and try to prevent any potential issues in these great areas,” Tieck said.

Routt County Council on Aging senior lunch menus

■ Steamboat Springs

Monday: Sloppy Joes

Tuesday: Maple glazed ham

Thursday: Corned beef and cabbage

Friday: Cheeseburgers

■ Hayden

Monday: Sloppy Joes

Tuesday: Maple glazed ham

Thursday: Corned beef and cabbage

■ Oak Creek

Monday: Sloppy Joes

Wednesday: Dining room closed July 4

Friday: Cheeseburger

The Council on Aging will be closed July 4. No meals or transportation will be available that day. For detailed menus, visit the Routt County Council on Aging website at www.rccoaging.org. Call 970-879-0633 to make a lunch reservation, request Meals on Wheels, or arrange for a van pick-up. There is a recommended donation of $3 per lunch for those 60 and older. Those younger than 60 are welcome to come for lunch, and the fee is $6.