Posted on 11/21/2013 8:13:23 AM PST by george76
There are conflicting reports about the investigation into the most destructive wildfire in Colorado history.
Black Forest Fire Chief Bob Harvey told KRDO-TV this week that the fire was human caused.
...
However, El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa wrote on a Facebook and issued a statement saying he was shocked that Harvey talked about an active investigation and accused Harvey of mishandling the event.
"Do not buy into Chief Harvey's claims until it's confirmed by the actual agency that has been the lead of the investigation and will base its findings on indisputable scientific evidence that can withstand the scrutiny of the criminal justice system. Right now that isn't the case," Maketa wrote.
Maketa then went after Harvey.
"He does not know the point of origin and has been less than truthful about other circumstances with this disaster and just may be merely covering his own mishandling of this event in an attempt to avoid responsibility for allowing the fire to get out of hand," Maketa wrote. "Furthermore, this Chief didn't even know homes were burning at a time several were engulfed and never even requested evacuations of nearby households as the fire rapidly grew out of control, clearly placing citizen’s safety in jeopardy."
...
His comments are nothing more than an attempt to mislead the public and a mere witch hunt. Numerous national experts and federal resources have been involved in this investigation and have not and cannot substantiate Chief Harvey's unqualified knee jerk claims... Harvey's comments are reckless, irresponsible and lack what is in the best interests of the community following this tragedy.”
(Excerpt) Read more at thedenverchannel.com ...
Colorado has a super Sherriff just like Arizona does.
Arson?
How is suspecting arson “... lack what is in the best interests of the community”
Someone is trying to cover this up.
I live in this county, and I’m not sure what this apparent feud is about.
Not necessarily, claiming arson when it isn’t could easily end in a witch hunt that messes up the lives of totally innocent people and cost the taxpayers endless dollars on a pointless investigation and prosecution of the innocent.
It might also encourage copycat arsonists who want to “score” a bigger fire much like the mentally ill Sandy Hook shooter was trying to “score” a bigger body count.
There lots of good reasons to keep your trap shut about an ongoing and incomplete investigation.
Colorado Ping ( Let me know if you wish to be added or removed from the list.)
A friend of mine from high school lost her cabin in that fire and her brother lost his home. My son and his wife moved just north of there this past summer to start their teaching careers.
UPDATE: Maketa Posts New Statements Following Scathing Comments About Fire Chief.
http://www.kktv.com/news/headlines/Maketa-Calls-Remarks-Made-By-Fire-Chief-Disturbing-232792921.html
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