According to the Archuleta County Sheriff's Office, on Sunday, Aug. 17, at 5:46 p.m., deputies arrested two male suspects in connection with the Oak Fire started by an illegal burn at 152 Oak Drive in Aspen Springs.
The fire began at approximately 1:15 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 10.
"The burn was in violation of the Second Amended and Restated Ordinance no. 18-2017 for the regulation of open burning in the unincorporated areas of Archuleta County," a press release states.
It notes both suspects, Sergio Alaniz Jr, 41, and Ross Heirigs, 60, were arrested on multiple accounts of fourth-degree arson.
The press release notes the fire originated from a burn barrel and "quickly spread through the subdivision, spotting approximately a half a mile into a neighboring subdivision."
It adds that firefighting aerial resources and first responders managed to contain the fire at 75 acres the evening of Aug. 10.
It further reminds that Archuleta County remains under Stage 1 fire restrictions.
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