Coroner: Firefighters killed at Ordway blaze died instantly

ORDWAY — The Crowley County coroner says two firefighters who were killed when their truck plummeted off a burned-out bridge died instantly from the impact.

Olney Springs Fire Chief Terry DeVore and firefighter John Schwartz were on their way to help battle a wildfire in Ordway on April 15 when they were killed.

Coroner Karen Tomky says the truck was driving the speed limit when it reached the small bridge about a mile from Ordway and crashed into the opposite side of the ravine.

The fire destroyed eight homes and charred 14 square miles about 120 miles southeast of Denver. Investigators say it was started by a trash and hay pile that had been intentionally burned but not fully extinguished.

They recommended against criminal charges