A wildfire that ripped through more than 7,000 acres in western Colorado in early August was started by a man trying to cremate his dead dog, wildfire investigators said.
Brent Scott Garber, the alleged arsonist responsible for the costly Bucktail fire, was arrested earlier this month, according to reports. Montrose County Sheriff's Office. He was charged with arson and trespassing, according to court documents.
Garber was identified as a suspect early in the investigation after being spotted by a local sheriff's office commander driving an ATV away from the fire minutes after the call. Reported by Montrose Daily Press. Garber also lived in a camper near the source of the fire, according to the arrest affidavit.
As Colorado fire investigators analyzed the origin of the fire, they found the partially burned body of a dog near a large rock with the word “October 1st” written on it. 2017 – July 2024 Rest in Peace, Rocket Dog. ” Just below the epitaph, bones were glued to a makeshift tombstone.
According to an arrest affidavit, Lockett, owned by Gerber, was euthanized by a judge's order after getting into a fight with another dog.
According to court records, the affidavit alleges that Gerber lost control of the vehicle while dropping off Lockett and threw a spray can into the flames, causing the flames to scatter and ignite the tree.
According to the fire department, the fire only spread from there and was mostly extinguished by rain. Count Montrose Sheriff's Office. Despite the favorable weather, the fire was only 83% contained and was expected to take more than a week to be completely extinguished.
Garber is scheduled for a preliminary request hearing on Oct. 23.
The Bucktail Fire was one of the largest wildfires in Colorado this year, burning approximately 11 square miles and causing approximately $300,000 in damage.
with post wire
