Sheriff’s office explains handling of Black Forest fire investigation

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office is the lead investigator in the Black Forest Fire because of its destructiveness and loss of life, it explained Friday.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office said it handles most arson investigations outside incorporated areas in the county. And that sheriff’s office’s arson investigators and major crimes unit have worked closely with federal and private national experts.

Lieutenant Jeff Kramer, a spokesman for the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office said in Sheriff Terry Maketa’s 27 years of experience, there has always been a high level of cooperation and communication with fire chiefs during investigations.

“Unfortunately this scenario where there hasn’t been a high level of cooperation that’s gone on with this particular district,” Kramer said. “Having said that though, we certainly recognize that there can be value in that.”

Black Forest Fire Chief Bob Harvey said he didn’t know the investigation was still going on. The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office said that’s not true.