In early August, a devastating wildfire swept through more than 7,000 acres in western Colorado, causing significant damage to the local ecosystem and community. Investigators have now revealed that this destructive fire was sparked by an unfortunate incident involving a man’s attempt to cremate his deceased pet dog.
Brent Scott Garber, the accused arsonist responsible for the Bucktail Fire, was arrested earlier this month, according to the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office. He has been charged with arson and trespassing, as detailed in court documents.
The authorities were able to identify Garber as a prime suspect shortly after the fire began when a local commander with the sheriff’s office noticed him driving an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) away from the blaze just minutes after it was reported. This observation, coupled with the fact that Garber resided in a camper near the fire’s origin, led to his arrest and subsequent charges.
Colorado fire investigators who examined the scene of the fire’s initiation discovered the partially burned body of a dog, along with a makeshift headstone bearing the inscription “Oct. 2017 – July 2024, Rocket Dog, Rest In Peace Buddy.” The epitaph was accompanied by a bone glued to the stone.
This tragic scene revealed that Garber had been attempting to honor his dog, named Rocket, who had been euthanized under a judge’s order after getting into a fight with another dog, according to the arrest affidavit. Tragically, things went awry when Garber lost control during the cremation process. Investigators believe that he threw a spray can into the flames in an attempt to stoke them for a proper sendoff for his beloved pet. However, this action caused the fire to spread rapidly and eventually resulted in a tree catching fire.
The blaze quickly escalated from there, but it was ultimately largely extinguished by timely rainfall. Despite this fortunate turn of weather, the fire only reached 83% containment and took over a week to fully extinguish, according to the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office.
The Bucktail Fire was one of the largest wildfires in Colorado this year, causing approximately $300,000 in damages and consuming nearly 11 square miles of land. The fire’s cause, as well as its significant impact on the surrounding area, serve as a sobering reminder of the importance of responsible handling of fires and the need for increased awareness of wildfire risks.
Brent Scott Garber is currently awaiting his preliminary demand hearing, which has been scheduled for October 23rd.
