On July 29, the Salida Fire Department (SFD) and Salida Police Department (SPD) were both dispatched to a fire, located at 610 Walnut St., Salida. What at first appears to have been suspicious, has been identified as arson.
The fire started outside the residence along a wooden fence, which caught fire. This caused the fire to spread to the
neighboring property. The fire began burning the neighboring trailer as Salida Fire arrived.
Administrative offices and engine bays at Salida Fire Department, 124 E Street. Crew quarters on second floor. Merrell Bergin photo
By 10:36 p.m. the SFD had water on the structure and the fire was extinguished by 10:40 p.m. Once the fire was extinguished, police and fire personnel examined the area of the fire, determining that it appears to have been started as a result of the “negligence of a person”. Based on this determination, the SPD canvassed the area.
Multiple witnesses were interviewed as well as the homeowner of 610 Walnut. The Police Department then contacted the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to request a Fire Investigator to process the scene.
The Fire Investigator arrived on the morning of July 30 to process the scene. The investigation concluded that this was started as a result of the negligence of a person.
Salida Police Chief Russ Johnson has announced that the Salida Police Department is actively investigating the case as arson, and it will continue to interview people in the coming days.
Residents who may have any additional information or details about the case, please contact the Salida Police Department at 719-539-2596 or Chaffee County Crime Stoppers at 719-539-5299.
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