Arson Investigated at Colorado Office of BLM

An investigation was underway by federal and other authorities after someone smashed computers and other equipment and set fire to the federal Bureau of Land Management office in Gunnison, Colo.

Investigators said Thursday they have not determined a motive for the weekend incident.

The building sustained mostly smoke and water damage and has been shut down while the damage is assessed, Gunnison fire marshal Dennis Spritzer said.

“The BLM is salvaging what they can,” Spritzer said. “They also broke into one truck and stole another truck with a trailer, but that truck was found about a block away.”

BLM spokeswoman Shannon Borders said the office houses environmental assessment specialists, inspectors, recreation managers and federal law enforcement officers. About 15 employees work at that office in the mountains of central Colorado.

Spritzer said an arson-trained dog was brought in by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. That agency has released no details on its investigation.

Borders said a $2,000 reward was being offered. She declined to comment on the extent or nature of the vandalism.