Investigators have moved most of the work searching for clues to the origin of the Waldo Canyon Fire into a lab.
While the cause of the most destructive fire in the state's history is still listed as "under investigation" and the point of origin has been found, authorities are keeping mum about their findings.
A report by the Denver Post says that investigators are looking into natural causes but also following clues about a possible arsonist.
The 18,247-acre fire that started June 23rd went on to destroy nearly 350 homes and kill two people though a report by the National Weather Service said there were no thunderstorms in the area on June 22 or 23rd.
"Arson cases cases are difficult to investigate,” El Paso County District Attorney Dan May told KDVR. He’s part of the team investigating whether the fire was intentionally set.
In the days just before the Waldo Canyon Fire exploded, there were over 25 or more fires set in the neighboring region of Teller County.
Investigators there are searching for an arsonist, but also aren't saying whether they believe the fires are all connected.
"I don't have a very high regard for an arsonist," Teller County Sheriff Mike Ensminger told the Denver Post. "That's a pretty horrific way to destroy someone's property or someone's life. I don't understand the mentality behind that. I don't know whether they are taking the time to think about it, or are they just so fascinated by the act of setting a fire?"
According to KDVR the point of the Waldo Canyon Fire's origin is only accessible by a set of stairs that have a surveillance camera pointed at them monitored by deputies. Over the past week May and a task force took a tour of the area.
Investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the FBI have joined with local and state authorities to determine the cause of the fire.
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