By now, many know that Brent Garber, of Nucla, has been charged with “2nd Degree Arson ($100,000-$1,000,000),” “4th Degree Arson ($100,000-$1,000,000)" and “2nd Degree Trespassing (zoned agricultural)” for the Bucktail Fire that occurred just outside of Nucla this summer. He’s had two court dates already, and he’s scheduled to appear again on Oct. 23.
The San Miguel Basin Forum was sent a copy of the sheriff’s report that lists the events and investigation surrounding the Bucktail Fire. That report contains statements by several people in the West End community.
Many know that Garber lives off 25 Mesa Road. Many also see him around town.
According to the sheriff’s report, his dog got into a fight with another dog this summer and was court ordered to be put down in late July.
A few different witnesses said in the sheriff’s report that Garber had told people about the judge’s order, that the pet be euthanized. Witnesses have said that he did want to bury his dog on his own property.
The Bucktail Fire was reported Aug. 1, and then no lighting strikes had been happening. That fire unfortunately grew and ended up burning more than 7,000 acres and lasted for more than two weeks. It involved several area agencies, including the BLM which took command. It created a lot of distress for many in the local area, and it did require a wealth resources: personnel, money, time and food.
Investigators, according to the sheriff’s report, said they found what appeared to be the source of the fire, a “dugout” where Garber had attempted to cremate his pet. A memorial plaque was also found, with the dog’s name and birth and death dates, in months and years.
The report mentions that an aerosol can was there, which might have been used to exacerbate the fire. Remains of the dog were found too. According to one witness who said they spoke with Garber after the incident, Garber reportedly threw the aerosol can on the fire without thinking of it.
The report adds that Garber was seen fleeing the area, and may have been scared by the fire getting out of hand. The witness who spoke with Garber did state in the report that “the fire then blew the can out of the pit and lit a tree on fire” and that “since Brent was unable to get the fire under control, he jumped on his four-wheeler and went down the hill.”
Sadly, several local landowners incurred damage as a result of the Bucktail Fire, some of them property; others vegetation and grazing land. The damages are estimated to be approximately $150,000 or more.
The Forum has a list of questions for Garber and would like to give him a chance to use the newspaper to address the West End community, if he’d like to. Still, Garber is in the middle of the court case, does have an attorney and might not be able to comment at this time.
