On June 16, 2025, at approximately 9:00 p.m., officers with the Grand Junction Police Department and crews from the Grand Junction Fire Department responded to Las Colonias Park for a report of a fire.
Officers learned that a man had been lighting fireworks in the area when a spark ignited dry grass, quickly spreading into a fire that burned roughly an acre. Fire personnel were able to contain and extinguish the blaze safely. No injuries were reported.
Through the course of the investigation, officers identified the suspect as 44-year-old Kristofer Mills. He was contacted by officers on July 2, 2025, near the Botanical Gardens. Mills was arrested and released on a summons for the following charges:
- Fourth Degree Arson
- Reckless Endangerment
- Fireworks Violation
- Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
The Grand Junction Police Department and Grand Junction Fire Department want to remind the public that Mesa County is currently under Stage One fire restrictions due to dangerously dry conditions.
Stage One Fire Restrictions Prohibit:
- Personal use of ALL fireworks
- Any fire or campfire, not within a permanently constructed fire grate in a developed park, campground, private residence, or picnic area
- Agricultural burning within City limits
- Use of explosive targets
- Smoking outside near combustible materials
- Operating or using any internal combustion engine, such as chainsaws, without a spark-arresting device properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order
- Welding or operating Acetylene or other torches with an open flame except in cleared areas of at least 10 feet in diameter—You MUST have a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher
This incident serves as a serious reminder that even the smallest spark can lead to a dangerous wildfire. Let’s all do our part to keep our community safe this summer.