Update: Search for Suspect in Teller Co. Arson Fires

Teller County Deputies are still searching for a person responsible for at least 13 fires.

As Newschannel 13 first reported on Wednesday, a string of wildfires have been spotted around Teller County since Monday. Authorities tell Newschannel 13 that at least 13 of those fires were intentionally set by a serial arsonist.

On Thursday evening, authorities stopped a Red Jeep, described as one seen at several of these arson fires. A man was taken into custody for questioning but later released. Deputies say after substantial information was gathered, they allowed the suspect to go back home. They are asking the community to stay on a heightened sense of alert and to report anything or anybody they find suspicious.

Meanwhile, crews in Teller County battled a series of wild land fires Thursday evening and Friday morning.

The latest fire occurred on Friday morning in Divide. The grass fire was put out by firefighters on the cul-de-sac on Spur Road. Teller County officials say they’re not sure if this fire is related to the arsonist.

Crews battled at least four separate fires, and investigated more than six calls on Thursday night.

In each instance, the fires were put down before they could grow to significant size, but the speed at which they were being started stretched crews to the limit.

Two slash piles that were burning on forest service road 339 were among the first that fire crews attacked.

Shortly thereafter, they were called to a fire near Stone Ridge drive and Ptarmigan Rd.

There was another fire reported on the 700 Block of Kelly Rd., but it’s not clear if that was separate from the Ptarmigan Dr. fire.

There was also a fire put down in the Oil Creek area.

The Sheriff’s office is asking everyone in the area to keep an eye out for anything suspicious.

A fire that occurred earlier on Thursday behind the Woodland Park Walmart is also thought to be the possible work of the arsonist. As with the other fires, it was put out before it could grow to a dangerous size.

Watch this space for more updates on this developing story.