The co-owner of a rafting company said Tuesday that the Parkdale Canyon fire near Cañon City erupted after the Royal Gorge Route train passed by.
 
Cass Cairns, spokeswoman for the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, said there has been no official determination of the cause.
 
The owner of the train said he knew of no evidence linking his train to the blaze.
 
The 700-acre wildfire has destroyed several structures and forced families from their homes.
 
Officials said Tuesday afternoon that the fire was 15 percent contained.
 
Jimmy Whiteside, co-owner of Royal Gorge Rafting and Royal Gorge Vacation Rentals, said the train passed the north entrance of the Royal Gorge about 12:30 Monday.
 
As he and rafters watched, bushes every 500 to 1,000 yards over a 3-mile stretch erupted into flames, he said.
 
Whiteside said he immediately called 911 to alert authorities, then called his business partner and the train's owner.
 
Railroad owner Mark Greksa told The Associated Press the train's engine has been designed to minimize fire hazards.
 
"We'll just let them do their investigation", Greksa said.
 
Cairns said weather conditions were milder than predicted Tuesday morning, aiding firefighters.
 
However, high winds were expected later Tuesday, which could push the fire toward the Royal Gorge Bridge.
 
Cairns said the dry vegetation also is a concern.
 
Mike Bandera, general manager of the Royal Gorge Bridge, said the fire is about 1.5 miles from the bridge complex.
 
He said that should the fire get closer, a defensive perimeter will be established.
 
Cairns said numerous structures have burned in the Parkdale area, but authorities have been unable to get into the area to see whether that includes homes.
 
Cairns said five firefighting crews and 21 engines are on the scene.
 
She said three more crews and additional engines have been ordered.
 
The Royal Gorge Bridge, Buckskin Joe, the KOA campground, and areas north of Colorado 9 are closed.
 
The Arkansas River through the gorge remains closed to rafting.
 
Howard Pankratz.