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Cañon City Man Arrested for Multiple Arson Fires; Quick Response Prevents Major Damage


Description: The Cañon City Police Department Released the Following Arrest Report on July 15, 2025... All Parties Considered Innocent Until Proven Guilty in a Court of Law...

Cañon City Man Arrested for Multiple Arson Fires; Quick Response Prevents Major Damage

Man arrested on arson charges

On July 15th, 2025, at approximately 12:42 am, Cañon City Police Officers responded to the Cañon City Museum in the 600 Block of Royal Gorge Boulevard for a reported brush fire. Upon arrival, officers were able to suppress the fire with fire extinguishers until the Canon City Fire Protection District arrived and put out the fire. 

While reviewing the museum’s video footage, officers observed a male party setting a fire along the south fence. Due to an earlier call involving the male party, officers were able to identify him as 34-year-old Charles Fenstermacher, of Cañon City. While officers were still on scene at the museum, they received a call that there was another fire at the Happy Endings Caboose Café, in the 400 block of Water Street. Officers arrived on the scene and used another fire extinguisher to put out the fire, which was contained to the upper patio area of the cafe.  

The CCPD Patrol Sergeant passed along Mr. Fenstermacher’s description to a Colorado Department of Corrections Search Team, who was already in the area conducting training. 

At approximately 2:35 am, the search team spotted Fenstermacher on foot at 15th Street and Royal Gorge Boulevard. Mr. Fenstermacher was taken into custody by our officers without incident and transported to the Fremont County Detention Center.  Mr. Fenstermacher is being held on a No Bond Hold, pending court advisements.  

Chief Schick offered that the team did a phenomenal job preventing the fires from spreading by acting quickly. Additionally, an excellent call by the working patrol supervisor, who was aware of a DOC search team's training in the area.  He was able to  leverage the DOC team as a force multiplier, which led to the accused’s quick arrest.  The Chief also offered his profound thanks to the Department of Corrections and the Fire District for their committed partnerships in resolving this situation so effectively.

Mr. Fenstermacher was arrested on the following charges and is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law:

 -2nd Degree Arson $2,000-$5,000(CRS 18-4-103(1)(2)(d)) Class  6 Felony

 -2nd Degree Arson under $300(CRS 18-4-103(1)(2)(a) Petty Offense