A man trying to cremate his dog sparked a wildfire in Colorado, authorities say
SUMMARY
A man’s attempt to cremate his dog in western Colorado sparked a wildfire that caused about $200,000 in damages and burned roughly 11 square miles of land, authorities revealed. The fire, which started on August 1st near Nucla, a small town on Colorado’s western border with Utah, damaged private property, including a cabin. Investigators determined the blaze began when the man’s dog, Rocket, was cremated after being euthanized following a dogfight. The fire spread when the man threw a spray can into the flames, causing it to explode and ignite a nearby tree. Authorities witnessed the man fleeing the scene on an ATV shortly after the fire was reported. The remains of Rocket were found, partially burned, along with a rock inscription reading, "Rocket Dog, Rest in Peace Buddy." The man has been charged with arson and trespassing. The fire has since been contained.
