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2 Arson Suspects Arrested In Longmont Railroad Ties Fire

LONGMONT, Colo. (CBS4) - Two people were arrested Wednesday night who are suspected of starting a massive fire that burned a pile of railroad ties in Longmont.

There were about 25 firefighters from both the Longmont and Mountain View fire departments working to extinguish the fire on Wednesday night. The fire is very large and is expected to take some time before it's completely extinguished.

What led police to the suspected arsonists hasn't been released. The suspects are in their late teens or early 20s. Their identities have not been released.

The blaze broke out about 8 p.m. in a large stack of railroad ties near 1st Ave. and Martin Street, just east of the City of Longmont waste water treatment plant.

No structures were in danger but air quality in the area is poor because of the toxins and chemicals used in the treatment of railroad ties.

Longmont Railroad Tie Fire
(credit: CBS)

The fire has caused some power outages in the area. About 300 businesses and homes were affected by the power outage. Most of those had power restored by 10 p.m.

There were several roads closed surrounding the area, primarily Martin Street between 3rd Avenue and Highway 119.

"Just a bunch of cops they've been closing off streets down the road. We had to see what was going on. We saw all these flames and smoke shooting up into the air so it's pretty crazy," said Longmont resident Lawrence Hernandez.

So far the identities of the suspects hasn't been released.

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