Wildfire was caused by man trying to cremate his dog, affidavit says

NUCLA, Colo. (KKCO/Gray News) – New information shows that a wildfire in Colorado was accidentally started by a man who was trying to cremate his dog, officials said.

According to an affidavit, 63-year-old Brent Garber is accused of starting the Bucktail Fire that ignited on Aug. 1.

The Bucktail Fire became one of the largest fires in the state this year. Multiple acres of private property and at least one building were damaged during the fire, though no evacuations were issued.

Garber will appear Wednesday for a plea hearing in the Montrose County Courthouse.

The affidavit for his arrest states that he was connected to the fire after investigators traced the ignition to a dugout where Garber had tried to hold a small funeral for his dog Rocket.

A rock was placed above the dugout’s entrance with “Oct 2017 - July 2024. Rocket Dog. Rest in Peace Buddy” inscribed on it.

The affidavit alleges Garber put his dog in a pit with wood and lit the wood on fire. He threw a spray can on the fire, which exploded and caught a tree on fire, the affidavit said.

A police officer’s account within the affidavit said he spotted Garber riding an ATV in the area where the fire started not long after it was reported.

He also noted that Garber told him that he was going to bury his dog on private property in a conversation held just days earlier.

According to police, Rocket had been put down due to a municipal court order that was a result of a fight Rocket had with another dog.

Garber is charged with three felony counts. He faces two arson charges and one second-degree trespassing charge.

The Bucktail Fire is about 80% contained as of Wednesday.

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