Ranchers Sue National Guard, Federal and State Governments For $6.8 Million Over Damages From Fires

Colorado Army National Guard troops training at Camp Guernsey in 2012 used ammunition and explosives that caused the 22-square-mile Sawmill Canyon Fire that also scorched thousands of acres of a nearby ranch. Kevin and Susan Rothschild, who have owned the 5,000-acre Bulls Bend Ranch, LLLP, for 20 years, are demanding nearly $6.8 million in damages from the National Guard and other defendants, according to a lawsuit filed in federal court on Monday. “The Defendants were further negligent, irresponsible, reckless, and acted without regard to plaintiff’s property by not having any fire extinguishing equipment or other controls in place to control and minimize the risk of fire from their activities,” according to the complaint filed by the Cheyenne law firm the Kuker Group, which represents the Rothschilds. The National Guard knew better, according to the complaint. On June 19, extreme drought conditions prompted the Platte County Commission to issue a ban on all activities that could cause fires. An exception was made for Camp Guernsey, but any costs of extinguishing out-of-control, man-made burns caused by this exception would be paid for by the Wyoming Military Department. National Guard actions have caused other substantial fires, according to the complaint...more