TELLER COUNTY, Colo. – Two men and a 17-year-old boy from Colorado Springs face first-degree arson charges in connection with the High Chateau Fire that burned around 1,400 acres and destroyed eight homes in Teller County.
David Michael Renfrow, 23; Kegan Patrick Owens, 19 — both of Manitou Springs — and a 17-year-old boy are accused of leaving their unauthorized campfire unattended, which arson investigators believes sparked the fire June 28. Investigators aren't currently naming the 17-year-old because he is a minor.
The three, if convicted, could each face between four and eight years in prison and fines of between $3,000 and $750,000.
Detectives with the Teller County Sheriff’s Office and Colorado Bureau of Investigation arson investigators discovered the fire was caused by the unattended campfire, the sheriff’s office announced Monday.
Sheriff’s office spokesperson Cdr. Greg Couch said the investigation is ongoing and that the three could face further charges, as could other people believed to be involved.
The fire destroyed at least eight homes and “numerous” outbuildings, according to the sheriff’s office. It was 95 percent contained as of Sunday. The area remains under a Stage III fire ban.
