Investigators seek public’s help with photos, video of April 20 fire in Monte Vista
MONTE VISTA
MONTE Vista police are asking for the public’s help with any photos, video, or other information from the early stages of a fire on April 20 that destroyed or damaged 15 structures, including homes and outbuildings.
The city provided an update Tuesday on the status of the investigation. Monte Vista said 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 12:15 p.m. on April 20.
“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.”
Monte Vista Police Chief George Dingfelder said having the expertise of a wildland fire investigator (BLM), along with a fire investigator from the DFPC and agents from CBI assisting the city’s investigator brings a level of technical expertise to ensure all aspects of the investigation are covered.
Once the 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, Dingfelder said.
The Monte Vista Community Fund continues to accept money to support fire victims. Contributions can be mailed to P.O. Box 751, Monte Vista, CO 81144. Contributions should have “Fire Fund” or “Fire Victims” on the check. Checks can also be dropped off at Monte Vista City Hall.
The community fund charges no administrative fee and no expenses are paid to the MVCF for the use of the account.
“I’ve never been prouder than to see so many individuals giving from the heart to help those they have never met,” said Colette Skeff, Monte Vista Community Fund board member. “This is who we are. We are Monte Vista Proud.”
PHOTO: Aerial footage of Monte Vista fire courtesy KMGH-Denver7 News
