The Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information from the public regarding an attempted arson incident along County Road 390, west of Clear Creek Reservoir.
The Sheriff’s Office was notified of the incident on Sunday after United States Forest Service firefighters conducting routine patrols discovered three burned trees on private property adjacent to National Forest land.
Chaffee County detectives responded to the scene and assumed control of the investigation. Investigators determined that someone had attempted to start a forest fire in the area.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, an accelerant believed to be gasoline was used on two separate trees. Detectives also found evidence that a clear plastic container containing accelerant had been suspended from the limb of a third tree nearby. The fire burned out before reaching the container, preventing further ignition.
Authorities are asking anyone who may have information about the incident, suspicious activity in the area, or potential suspects to contact the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators say public assistance could be critical in identifying those responsible and preventing future incidents, especially given the region’s heightened wildfire danger.
