Colorado sheriff disputes claim that Black Forest fire was intentionally set
|
Version 0 of 1. The sheriff leading the investigation into the cause of Colorado's most destructive wildfire on Thursday angrily disputed statements by a local fire chief that the blaze outside of Colorado Springs was intentionally set. El Paso County sheriff Terry Maketa also accused Black Forest fire chief Bob Harvey of being "less than truthful about other circumstances with (the) disaster" in comments Harvey first made late Wednesday to KRDO-TV. Harvey did not immediately return a phone call from the Associated Press seeking comment Thursday morning. In a statement issued Thursday, Maketa said that the Black Forest fire was "human caused" — as his office previously reported — but that there was no evidence it was intentionally set. Maketa added that Harvey was not involved in the continuing investigation led by Maketa's department, KRDO said. The Black Forest Fire started on June 11. It killed two people, destroyed 486 homes and damaged 37 other homes in a residential area northeast of Colorado Springs. The fire charred 24 square miles. Harvey told KRDO that the fire "was human caused and appears intentional." He said he had consulted with "outside experts" in reaching that conclusion but did not elaborate. He said he felt obligated to report his conclusion to the public, adding, "I think the worst thing is this person still is out there." "Do not buy into Chief Harvey's claims until it's confirmed by the actual agency that has been the lead of the investigation and will base its findings on indisputable scientific evidence that can withstand the scrutiny of the criminal justice system," Maketa responded. "Right now that isn't the case." The sheriff didn't stop there. Maketa stated that Harvey didn't realize homes were burning as the fire grew out of control and said he could be "covering his own mishandling of the event in an attempt to avoid responsibility for letting the fire get out of hand." It was the first insinuation of any possible misconduct by anyone who battled the blaze. Walt Seelye, a member of the Black Forest fire rescue protection district board, said Thursday the wind-whipped fire covered 2 miles in two hours and it is impossible to blame anyone for the death and destruction. He said his department responded quickly and immediately sought aid from other fire departments. Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning. |