FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Moffat County Sheriff’s Office
July 7, 2025

Wildland Fires Near Maybell Result in Arson Arrest

Maybell, CO – On the evening of July 6, 2025, at approximately 10:00 p.m., Craig Regional Dispatch received a report of a wildland fire along U.S. Highway 40 near milepost 75. The Maybell Volunteer Fire Department and deputies from the Moffat County Sheriff’s Office responded immediately. Upon arrival, deputies located evidence indicating that fireworks were the cause of the fire.

While emergency crews were actively working the initial fire, a second fire was reported on Highway 318 just west of Maybell. Maybell Fire deployed additional resources to that location, where deputies again found evidence consistent with fireworks usage. A witness reported seeing a male subject lighting fireworks in the area before fleeing the scene at a high rate of speed.

At approximately 12:30 a.m. on July 7, a third fire was reported near milepost 45 on Highway 318. This fire posed an immediate threat to a nearby ranch and multiple structures. Maybell Fire, Moffat County Wildland Fire, and BLM Fire responded and successfully contained the blaze. Deputies at the scene once again located evidence linking the fire to fireworks.

Shortly thereafter, deputies located a suspect vehicle near milepost 39 on Highway 318. The driver, identified as 22-year-old Kobe John Dimick of Casper, Wyoming, was contacted and subsequently arrested for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and multiple counts of Arson related to the wildland fires.

Mr. Dimick is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Moffat County Sheriff’s Office extends sincere gratitude to the Maybell Volunteer Fire Department, Moffat County Wildland Fire, and BLM Fire crews for their swift and effective response, which prevented further damage and protected nearby homes and property.

Sheriff Chip McIntyre commended the deputies involved, stating:

“The rapid response and thorough investigative work of our deputies played a crucial role in identifying and arresting the suspect responsible for these dangerous and reckless acts. Intentionally or negligently setting fires with fireworks during high fire danger not only endangers lives and property, but also puts our firefighters and first responders at unacceptable risk. We will not tolerate this kind of disregard for public safety in Moffat County.”

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Moffat County Sheriff’s Office at (970) 824-4495.