Park City, CO - North-West Fire Protection District was called to a structure fire at the Orphan Boy Mine on December 23 at approximately 5:00 pm. The flames from the fire were visible from several miles away along Highway 9 between Alma and Fairplay. Due to weather and road conditions crews were unable to get any engines on scene.

Using a 4WD vehicle with chains firefighters were able to get to the mine site to monitor the fire and make sure it did not spread to any other buildings or the surrounding trees. The building involved, believed to be an ore chute, was a total loss.

Investigators were unable to determine an exact cause or origin of the fire. However with no electricity or gas sources it seems likely that it was human caused. There were several sets of ski and snowshoe tracks, but it is unknown how recent those tracks were. The investigation is ongoing, so if anyone has information regarding any activity in the area that could help, they are encouraged to contact North-West Fire at 719-836-3150 and speak with either Captain Smith or Chief Roll.