A New Mexican man was arrested in Colorado after allegedly starting a brush fire in a ravine along State Highway 74.

According to a report from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a report that a man was intentionally trying to start a fire near mile marker 16 on State Highway 74 at about 4:46 p.m. on June 29. This is located in the area of Matthews/Winters Park, between Idledale and Morrison.

Per the sheriff’s office, multiple witnesses had called to report on the situation that was unfolding after reportedly seeing a man standing over a fire on the south side of the highway.

When deputies arrived, they found an active brush fire in a ravine south of the highway. A suspect matching the description provided by witnesses was quickly located and detained without issue.

A deputy was able to use a fire extinguisher to slow down the spread of the flames with firefighters soon arriving to fully extinguish the burn. A lighter was recovered near where the fire is believed to have been started.

Per the report from the sheriff’s office, the suspect was identified as Royce Ben Jameson, 25 and of New Mexico. He has been accused of firing woods or prairie (a sixth-degree felony) and third degree criminal trespass, which is a petty offense. He is being held on a $5,000 cash or surety bond.

Law enforcement attributed their quick response to effective reporting from community members.

All charges are merely accusations and all suspects are to be considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

This case provides a good example of how community reporting is important when it comes to stamping out fires before they grow to be out of control – whether a fire is the result of arson or otherwise. If you see something suspicious or concerning while you’re exploring Colorado this summer, report it to authorities.

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