Blaze investigated as arson

Blaze investigated as arson

Mar. 22, 2001

A CORTEZ FIREFIGHTER responds to a blaze that began in a garage and damaged a vintage truck early Tuesday morning. A juvenile is being investigated for possible arson in the incident.

Journal Staff Report

A fire of suspicious origin sent a garage up in flames Tuesday morning in Cortez.

The conflagration began around 9 a.m. in a garage located at 337 S. Harrison, according to Fire Marshal Frank Cavaliere. Containment required two engines and a tanker.

The blaze engulfed the structure and its contents, causing damage to a vintage truck parked nearby. A tarp covering the vehicle helped to partially protect it, Cavaliere said, but its paint was blistered and it sustained other damage.

Other vehicles were also threatened, "but we got a protection line in place" and saved them, Cavaliere added.

An estimate on the amount of property damage was not available.

A juvenile male is being investigated in connection with the fire, which is suspected as arson, according to Cortez Police Chief Roy Lane.

"We are investigating it as arson. The suspect is a juvenile. . . He is known to us," Lane said.

Lane was unable to comment on particulars, because the suspect is a minor and the investigation is still continuing.

District Attorney Joe Olt said his office will pursue charges — probably misdemeanors — against the juvenile.