Fire at Hitching Post Inn Intentionally Set

CHEYENNE, Wyo., Sept. 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Denver Field Division Special Agent in Charge Marvin Richardson, together with Mayor Rick Kaysen, Cheyenne Fire Chief Jim Martin and Police Chief Brian Kozak, announced today the completion of the on-scene investigation of the Hitching Post Inn fire. They jointly announced that the September 15, 2010 blaze is ruled arson but were unable to release additional details as the investigation is ongoing.

The ATF National Response Team (NRT) and the Cheyenne Fire and Police Departments completed their scene work yesterday. The investigators conducted multiple interviews and fully processed the scene. The information developed was reviewed and analyzed to assist in determining the cause and origin of the fire.

"Local ATF special agents will continue to work in partnership on the investigation with the Cheyenne Police and Fire Departments until the individual or individuals responsible for this cowardly act are brought to justice," said Richardson. ATF would like to thank all its State and Local counterparts for their outstanding cooperation and participation in this investigation: the Cheyenne Police and Fire Departments, Wyoming State Fire Marshal's Office, Wyoming Office of Homeland Security, and the Wyoming National Guard.

ATF developed the NRT to assist federal, state, and local investigators in meeting the challenges faced at the scenes of significant arson and explosives incidents. The NRT consists of three teams organized geographically to cover the United States. Each team can respond within 24 hours to assist state and local law enforcement/fire service personnel in onsite investigations.

ATF is the federal agency with jurisdiction for investigating major fires and crimes of arson. More information on ATF and its programs is available at www.atf.gov.

Contact ATF PIO Brad Beyersdorf 303-844-7398; (303) 710-7643

SOURCE Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives