4/7/2024 UPDATE:

The Mesa County Sheriff's Office is releasing the following information on behalf of the agencies investigating the Iowa Avenue fire.

The investigation into the tragic Iowa Avenue fire resulting in the death of one person that occurred on Friday, April 5, 2024, remains active and ongoing. We understand our community has questions and wants answers, as do we. Everyone involved in this investigation is committed to providing accurate information supported by the evidence before anything is released.

We want to reassure the community that all tenants of record have been contacted and accounted for. At this time, there is no evidence to suggest or support any theory that the cause of the explosion resulting in the fire was an explosive device, a drug/narcotics lab, or any issue with utilities, such as natural gas. There are preliminary indications that the fire may have been started intentionally.

Authorities identified a potential suspect Friday afternoon and tracked the suspect's phone to Lake County, near Leadville, Colorado.  Local law enforcement officers were dispatched to the location, where, upon their arrival, they discovered the suspect deceased. 

This appears to be an isolated incident that poses no further danger to the community. However, an immense amount of work remains to be completed to ensure that all information is complete and accurate.

This remains an active investigation, and no other details can be released at this time. The appropriate agencies will release further information as it becomes available.

The Palisade Fire Department, Palisade Police Department, and the Town of Palisade would like to express their gratitude to the various agencies providing their assistance and expertise in this investigation. We kindly request that the public be patient as the investigation progresses and respect the victim’s family's privacy during this difficult time.

The Mesa County Sheriff's Office is releasing the following information on behalf of the Palisade Police Department and the Palisade Fire Department.

The Palisade Police Department and Palisade Fire Department continue to actively investigate the fire that occurred on April 5, 2024, on Iowa Avenue in Palisade. Multiple agencies, including fire investigators, continue to work diligently to verify and confirm any potential cause of the explosion, which resulted in the devastating fire that killed one person. We ask for the community’s patience and understanding as we work tirelessly to get answers for all involved. This investigation will take several more weeks to complete.  This additional time will ensure that as the investigation progresses, all information disseminated is thoroughly investigated and verified as accurate.