Investigators say "no credible evidence" of arson in Nederland fire
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Firefighters extinguish hot spots in a fire at the Caribou Village Shopping Center in Nederland on Oct. 9. Photo: Matthew Jonas/MediaNews Group/Boulder Daily Camera via Getty Images
Investigators revealed this week they do not suspect the fire at Nederland's Caribou Village Shopping Center was arson.
Why it matters: Locals have awaited answers about what sparked the blaze last week that destroyed more than 20 businesses in the economic heart of Nederland.
Driving the news: The Boulder County Sheriff's Office said Thursday that investigators conducted interviews, reviewed surveillance footage, analyzed public photos and videos and completed an excavation of the scene.
- While the cause remains undetermined pending further testing, officials said "there is no credible evidence that the fire was intentionally set."
The latest: Nederland fire chief Charlie Schmidtmann said in a Friday video update that while the on-scene investigation is complete, lab testing and a final cause determination could take up to six months.
- "We understand that everyone is anxious to learn the cause and origin of the fire, and we will be working hard to get that done."
The sheriff's office continues to lead the investigation with help from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Nederland Fire Protection District.
Between the lines: The Caribou Village Shopping Center, built in 1985, is owned by Stephen Tebo's Tebo Properties.
- As of Friday morning, the building was turned over from investigators to Tebo Properties, which will take over security and allow business owners back in.
- "Our initial plans are to clean up the rubble and figure out how to rebuild," Tebo Properties CEO James Dixon wrote in an email to the Daily Camera.
Zoom in: The town has returned to normal water levels and lifted its conservation request.
- State and county health officials also said air quality in Nederland is within safe levels, though people with respiratory issues should remain cautious.
- A temporary laundry trailer was brought in since the town's only laundromat was destroyed in the fire.
What they're saying: Residents and visitors continue to gather around the perimeter to see the damage.
- "Those are irreplaceable, and they're all wood," said Ryan Douglas of Nederland, referring to nearby landmarks spared from the blaze — the Carousel of Happiness and Train Cars Coffee and Kava. "This sucks, don't get me wrong. But everybody is OK, and that's what matters most."
What's next: No demolition date has been set for the building, as Tebo Properties will have to wait for insurance investigators to conclude their work.
- Nederland officials said they would work with Tebo and businesses to "navigate insurance, identify new locations, and access financial and technical assistance as recovery programs become available."