Investigators with the Monte Vista Police Department, Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) and an investigator with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) who specializes in wildland fire investigations,continue to process evidence and conduct interviews related to the Monte Vista Fire, which was reported around 12:15PM on April 20.
While the investigation continues to move forward, investigators have collected photos, videos and statements, and are processing and reviewing them for further details. Early on in the investigation, an investigator with the BLM, who specializes in wildland fire investigation joined the investigation and has been instrumental in helping focus on the origin and cause of fire.
Having the expertise of a wildland fire investigator (BLM), along with a fire investigator from the DFPC and agents from CBI assisting our investigator brings a level of technical expertise to ensure all aspects of the investigation are covered. Once this investigation is completed, which is expected to take a couple more weeks at a minimum, it will be provided to the 12th Judicial District Attorney’s office for review.
There is no change currently in the number of lost structures as was provided by the Rio Grande County Assessor’s office and an estimate of the cost of damage has not yet been tallied.
The City of Monte Vista, Rio Grande County, the San Luis Valley Victim’s Advocate Unit and many other entities continue to provide support to the victims and those affected by the fire.
If you have photos, video or other information from the very early stages of this fire, we ask you contact Sgt. Michael Martinez at mmartinez@ci.monte-vista.co.us or leave a message through dispatch at 719-589-5807.