A clandestine immigrant was arrested for arson in southern Colorado who destroyed homes and forced evacuations.
"The initial cause of the fire was caused by the man," the sheriff's office of Costilla County said in announcing Saturday's arrest of Jesper Joergensen, 52. [19659003] Mugshot for Jesper Joergensen, 52.
(Costilla County Sheriff's Office)
He was detained without incident.
Reuters reported that Joergensen is not a US citizen and will be handed over to the US Immigration and Custom Enforcement once he will be charged
The flames rise to the beyond a ridge during efforts to contain the Spring Creek fire in Costilla County, Colorado, United States. The Spring Creek fire raged out of control in Costilla County, Colorado.
(Costilla County Sheriff's Office)
The Spring Creek fire burns east of Fort Garland in Costilla and Huerfano counties and has increased by more than 8,000 acres, reaching 41,292 acres Saturday night, reports the Denver Post Saturday.
The fire led to compulsory evacuations.
The wildfire began Wednesday afternoon and spread quickly to help with dry, hot and windy weather, the newspaper reported. The fire moved so quickly that firefighters were unable to detect the destruction of homes and buildings.
The photo shows an emergency vehicle on June 27 during efforts to contain the Spring Creek fire.
(Costilla County Sheriff's Office)
As of Saturday, the fire was at zero percent
The Spring Creek fire was one of twelve forest fires that are fighting over the state.