Update, 8 a.m., Friday, June 13: Until the 449 San Juan St. building is reopened for business, residents can go online to renew their license plates at https://dmv.colorado.gov/registration and/or go to a DMV kiosk in La Plata County: https://comvexpress.com/locations/durango-city-market. Call (970) 264-8300 for further information.
Update, 5:45 a.m., Thursday, June 12: Archuleta County issued the following statement: "Due to ongoing investigation into this morning's arson attempt, the 449 San Juan Building (Old Courthouse) will remain closed until further notice. At this time, please keep the area clear for responders. The County will update residents as more information becomes available. Thank you."
At approximately 1:19 a.m. on Thursday, June 12, the Pagosa Springs Police Department (PSPD) and Pagosa Fire Protection District (PFPD) responded to a burglar and fire alarm at 449 San Juan St. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered an active fire inside the east end of the building.
Crews entered the structure and successfully contained and extinguished the fire, which was limited to two office areas on the first and second floors. These offices are home to the Archuleta County assessor and county clerk. Both sustained moderate to severe fire and smoke damage. Fortunately, the building was unoccupied at the time, and no injuries or fatalities were reported.
Preliminary evidence collected at the scene indicates that the fire was intentionally set. A joint arson investigation is now underway involving multiple agencies, including the PSPD, PFPD, Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
As a result of the damage and ongoing investigation, the building at 449 San Juan St. will remain closed for an undetermined period.
This remains an active investigation. Authorities are urging anyone with information related to this incident to contact the PSPD via dispatch at (970) 731-2160.
