Multiple tree fires at Denver’s Cheesman Park investigated for arson

One of the Rocky Mountain junipers was removed by city forestry crews Thursday morning.

Multiple tree fires at Denver’s Cheesman Park investigated for arson

Two tree fires in Denver’s Cheesman Park on New Year’s Day are being reviewed by arson investigators, officials said Thursday.

The fires were reported near the park’s iconic pavilion Wednesday, and Denver Fire Department crews fully extinguished both trees, spokesperson Luis Cedillo said.

One of the Rocky Mountain junipers was removed by city forestry crews Thursday morning, Denver Parks and Recreation spokesperson Stephanie Figueroa said in an email.

The second juniper is still healthy enough and will not need to be removed, she said.

There’s no evidence of an encampment nearby and the cause of the fires is still under investigation, fire officials said in a post on X.

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