A man’s attempt to cremate his pet dog, which had been euthanized, is believed to have sparked a massive wildfire in western Colorado, according to investigators. The blaze, which caused significant damage to private property including a cabin, was started on August 1 during the man’s cremation ceremony for his dog named Rocket.
Authorities discovered the partially burned remains of Rocket at the site, where a rock was found etched with dates and the words “Rocket Dog, Rest in Peace Buddy,” with a bone placed below the epitaph. The man has since been arrested and charged with arson and trespassing in connection with the incident.
Reports indicate that the fire caused around $200,000 in damages and burned approximately 11 square miles of land before it was largely contained. The suspect, who lived in a camper near the site, allegedly lost control of the cremation process when a spray can he threw into the blaze ignited a tree, causing the fire to spread.
Following the incident, the man was seen driving an ATV away from the fire by law enforcement, minutes after it was reported. This wildfire was one of several that broke out in late August in the area, with the Alexander Mountain Fire in Loveland destroying multiple homes and buildings. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of other wildfires in the region.
Authorities revealed that Rocket had been euthanized following a fight with another dog under a court order in Nucla, a town on the Colorado-Utah border. The man’s actions resulted in unintended consequences, highlighting the importance of exercising caution and adhering to safety measures during such ceremonies to prevent similar incidents in the future.