An arrest warrant has been issued for a 72-year-old man accused of starting a fire that caused an estimated $500,000 in damage at a local hotel and forced the evacuation of nearly 200 guests, authorities said.
The warrant for Paul Todd Howarth includes charges of fourth-degree arson — business property endangered, a class 2 felony — and criminal mischief involving damage between $100,000 and $999,999, a class 3 felony, according to the Estes Park Police Department.
The charges stem from a Feb. 27 fire at the Expedition Lodge, where emergency crews were dispatched around 8:44 p.m. to a fire alarm and reports of visible flames. Responding officers and firefighters found heavy smoke and active fire in the hotel’s northwest wing.
Law enforcement officers began evacuating occupants while fire crews worked to contain the blaze. At the time, about 69 rooms were occupied, with an estimated 197 guests inside. All were safely evacuated, and no serious injuries were reported.
Investigators determined the fire originated in room 169, where a propane heater had been placed inside, authorities said. The room was destroyed, with significant damage to nearby rooms and smoke and water damage affecting other parts of the building.
Howarth, identified as the sole occupant of the room, was contacted during the initial response. Following a joint investigation with the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, authorities said probable cause was established to support the charges.
Police said Howarth is believed to be living in a red and white 1988 Ford F-150 with Colorado license plate CCDY96 and a homemade enclosure in the truck bed. His current whereabouts are unknown.
Authorities are asking anyone who sees Howarth or knows where he may be to contact local law enforcement.
In a statement to the Estes Valley Voice, the hotel’s owner said the fire was contained to a limited area and credited first responders for preventing more extensive damage. Matt Lowder, a spokesperson for East Avenue Development, said the company has been working with inspectors and local officials on repairs and safety reviews.
The lodge resumed limited operations March 20 for weekend stays, with most public areas open while a small number of rooms remain offline for final work, Lowder said. Weekday operations are expected to resume in early May, according to Lowder.
Displaced guests were assisted by other local lodging providers in the immediate aftermath of the fire, said Lowder.
Estes Park Police Chief Ian Stewart acknowledged first responders and partner agencies for safely evacuating guests and bringing the fire under control, noting the coordinated response prevented injuries in what he described as a dangerous situation.
According to the Estes Park Police Department, these charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
You must be logged in to post a comment.