June 17th, 2013
04:17 AM ET

Sheriff: Colorado wildfire is a crime scene

As hundreds of firefighters began to get the upper hand on a huge blaze near Colorado Springs, Colorado, investigators stepped up their probe into the cause of the most destructive wildfire in the state's history.

The 16,000-acre Black Forest Fire was 65% contained Sunday, but part of the burn area has been declared a crime scene, according to El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa. The sheriff said the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has been called in, along with state authorities.

"It has far expanded beyond just my arson investigator," he said Sunday. "We have brought experts in to give us the greatest possible chance to not only determine the cause, but whether there was criminal intent or not."

FULL STORY

Filed under: Crime • U.S. • Weather
soundoff (6 Responses)
  1. saywhat

    If its crime then its terrorism. 2 killed 500 homes destroyed and families scarred for life.

    June 17, 2013 at 10:13 am | Report abuse |
  2. banasy©

    This is truly sad.

    June 17, 2013 at 11:27 am | Report abuse |
  3. Princess Daisy

    Be careful how that word is thrown about. It will lose its impact for true terroristic acts. A careless cigarette thrown isn't the same as a suicide bomber.

    June 17, 2013 at 12:58 pm | Report abuse |
  4. chrissy

    @ Princess Daisy, very true. Seems that word is being used in nearly EVERY tragic event these days. And sad to say its mainly used to justify spending tax money on things that dont necessarily have anything to do with real terrorism.

    June 17, 2013 at 10:26 pm | Report abuse |
    • s kel

      oh oh I accidently brushed against someone on a a crowded street.....I guess I commited terrorism! Opps.

      June 18, 2013 at 12:30 am | Report abuse |
  5. chrissy

    Bite me @ Jeffrey. Youre the one that needs to go lay down by your dish!

    June 18, 2013 at 12:49 am | Report abuse |
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