NUCLA, CO – A man is facing charges after allegedly starting a massive wildfire while attempting to cremate his euthanized dog on private property. The Bucktail Fire, which ignited northeast of Nucla on August 1, burned 7,200 acres and caused at least $200,000 in damage, court documents reveal.
Brent Garber, 63, is accused of trespassing onto private land with the intention of cremating his dog, Rocket. The fire ignited on private property and rapidly spread to federal lands, expanding to 111 acres within an hour and a half. By that evening, the blaze covered 1,760 acres.
As crews headed towards the smoke, Garber was spotted departing the area on an all-terrain vehicle. A Montrose County Sheriff’s Office commander familiar with Garber’s residence on Bureau of Land Management property soon followed this individual’s tracks, which led to a site with clear “No Trespassing” warnings.
At the fire’s origin, investigators discovered a partially burned dog inside a makeshift cave and a nearby rock etched with “OCT 2017 July 2024 Rocket Dog Rest.” From this point, scorch marks spread outward, suggesting the fire’s path.
Garber had previously communicated his burial plans to the sheriff’s commander. Following the incident, he spoke little to investigators and requested legal counsel. However, a neighbor reported that Garber appeared distraught, admitting to placing Rocket and wood in a pit, igniting it, and throwing in an aerosol can that exploded, igniting a tree and causing the fire to spread.
Garber reportedly attempted to extinguish the blaze with a shovel but left upon realizing the intensity. The wildfire demanded a significant response, with 11 aircraft and over 100 personnel involved in suppression efforts. Despite its scale, the fire led to no evacuations or injuries.
Rocket, Garber’s dog, had been euthanized in late July following a court order after a violent encounter with another dog. Garber was arrested on September 6, charged with arson and trespassing, marking his first felony arrest in Colorado.