A man trying to cremate his dog sparked a wildfire in Colorado, authorities say

2024-12-26 11:50:46 source:lotradecoin guide category:Finance

NUCLA, Colo. (AP) — Wildfire investigators looking for the cause of blaze in western Colorado last month discovered the partially burned remains of a dog — leading to the conclusion that a man’s attempted cremation of his pet sparked a fire that damaged private property including a cabin.

Law enforcement arrested the man earlier this month and he is now charged with arson and trespassing, court documents show. Authorities say the cremation ceremony started the fire on Aug. 1 that’s estimated to have caused about $200,000 in damages and burned about 11 square miles (28 square kilometers), the Denver Post reported. The burn is now largely contained.

His dog, named Rocket, had been in a fight with another dog and was euthanized under court in Nucla, a town on Colorado’s western border with Utah, according to the arrest affidavit.

The suspect lived in a camper near where the fire started, and his pet’s cremation got out of control when a spray can he threw into the blaze blew and lit a tree on fire, according to court records. Minutes after the fire was reported, law enforcement witnessed the man driving an ATV away from the blaze. It was first reported by the Montrose Daily Press.

At the site, etched on a large rock above Rocket’s remains, was written dates and “Rocket Dog, Rest in Peace Buddy,” according to an arrest affidavit. A bone was glued below the epitaph.

More:Finance

Recommend

North Dakota regulators consider underground carbon dioxide storage permits for Midwest pipeline

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A North Dakota panel will consider Thursday whether to approve permits for und

Taylor Swift Shows Support for BFF Selena Gomez in the Sweetest Way After Single Soon Release

Taylor Swift has proven again that she's one of Selena Gomez's biggest fans.The "Blank Space" singer

Arleen Sorkin, 'incredibly talented' voice of Harley Quinn, 'Days of Our Lives' star, dies at 67

Arleen Sorkin, the original voice and inspiration behind DC Comics character Harley Quinn, has died.