Environmental Group May Have Set Vail Fires
A radical environmental group claimed responsibility for a series of fires that caused $12 million in damage to facilities at this famous ski resort.
Investigators were looking into the credibility of the claim Wednesday night.
“We are currently investigating the content, credibility and origin of this message” that was signed “Earth Liberation Front,” said Eagle County sheriff’s spokeswoman Kim Andree.
If the claim is verified, it would become one of the worst eco-terrorism crimes in this country, one expert said.
The FBI, which is involved in the investigation into Monday’s fires on Vail Mountain, did not return calls.
“This is completely genuine. There is absolutely no reason to doubt it,” said Katie Fedor, spokeswoman for the Animal Liberation Front.
The Earth Liberation Front sent an e-mail message to KCFR-FM Colorado Public Radio in Denver, saying it started the fires in protest of Vail Associates moving forward with its controversial 885-acre ski expansion.
The expansion covers terrain that environmentalists say is vital for reintroduction of lynx into Colorado. Environmentalists lost a court battle last week to stop construction.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
