The Associated Press

ORDWAY, Colo. — A smoldering trash pile was blamed for a wildfire in a farming community that left two firefighters dead, but no criminal charges were recommended, state investigators said Friday.

The fire, about 120 miles southeast of Denver, destroyed at least eight homes and prompted orders for all 1,200 residents to flee.

The flames ignited dry grass and debris under a wood-beamed bridge over a ditch on a state highway. Volunteer firefighters John Schwartz, 38, and Terry Devore, 30, were killed Tuesday when their fire truck plunged into the ditch while trying to cross the bridge, weakened by the flames.

Investigators with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation found no criminal acts by the private property owner.