Arsonist targets Cimarron Hills property; 7 fires under investigation

A string of suspicious fires has a Cimarron Hills neighborhood scared for their homes.

El Paso County Sheriff’s investigators said Wednesday that there have been seven suspicious fires at 1100 Kachina Drive in a neighborhood near Galley and Peterson roads.

The first was in May 2011 when the home there burned to the ground. In the last week alone, there were three fires on the property. A new modular home was set ablaze just days after it arrived.

“A bush or a collection of leaves has been set on fire. We’ve had some occasions where a a shed was set on fire. Also a Porta-Potty,” said EPCSO Lt. Jeff Kramer.

Neighbors witnessed the home burning on Monday, the day after seeing a nearby bush on fire.

“The fire was up in the air and you could see the balls jumping,” said Joyce Johnson. “If it had been a windy night, all of us probably would have been in trouble because it could have went to all our houses.”

The property being targeted is at the end of a cul-de-sac off of Seneca Road.

“I think the people that are doing it know the area,” said Johnson.

She and other neighbors said they’re keeping close watch.

“I look out my front window, I look out my back window, I’m looking when I take the dog out,” said Johnson.

Investigators said they’re urging everyone in the area to be vigilant.

“A report of a suspicious person or vehicle can lead to a break in a case,” said Kramer.

He said a neighbor saw a man, about 5 foot 11 inches, wearing dark clothes after the brush fire on the property Sunday night, and investigators would like to find out who he is.

Call the sheriffs office at 719-390-5555 with any information on the fires.

KRDO Newschannel 13 contacted the owner of the property, but didn’t hear back Wednesday.