Cause of fire in Moffat Post Office ruled as arson

SAGUACHE — The cause of the July 16 overnight fire in the lobby of the Moffat Post Office in Saguache County has been ruled as arson, according to Sheriff Dan Warwick with the Saguache County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO).

Although SCSO continues to be involved in the case, investigation of the incident is being conducted by the US Postal System (USPS) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) due to the fire occurring at a federal installation.

“There is a suspect, and he has been spoken to,” says Sheriff Warwick, but he was unable to comment further as it is still an active investigation.

Damage to the post office, located at 166 S. Alder Avenue in Moffat, was sufficient enough to warrant moving delivery of mail from the Moffat Post Office to the post office in Crestone, which impacts about 150 post office box holders.

“The mail is safe with us and we’ll hold it until the repairs are made,” Crestone Postmaster Susanna Silva was quoted as saying the day mail service was transferred.

According to a postal worker in Crestone, they are continuing to provide that service but no further details could be provided.

Mail delivery to the two rural routes that operate out of Moffat is being sorted at alternate locations and regular mail delivery service to rural route customers reportedly resumed the next day after the Moffat Post Office was closed.

This is a developing story and more details will be reported as they become available.