DIVIDE • The owner of the house believed to be the site where the Highland Lakes fire started had a judgment ruled against her last week forcing the sale of her home, which was under foreclosure. 

According to court documents obtained by The Gazette, Teller County District Court Judge William Moller on Oct. 23 ruled against the owner of the home and forced the sale of the property at 13 Beaver Lake Circle in Divide.

The court records state that the owner did not respond by the Oct. 21 deadline in the civil case, and thus the court ruled that it was proper to approve the motion filed by Select Portfolio Servicing to order the authorization of the sale of the home. 

“It is therefore ordered, adjudged, and decreed that a sale of the real property by the Public Trustee in the above said County in the State of Colorado, under a power of sale, pursuant to statute and the provisions of that certain Deed of Trust described above, be and the same hereby is, authorized by this Court,” the court order reads. 

Highland Lakes fire updates: Wednesday’s latest developments, including increased containment

Further court records show that on Sept. 24, the owner of the home was served with legal documents regarding the foreclosure and sale of her home, but that the person attempting to serve the homeowner was unable to approach the door for safety concerns. 

“I could not safely get to door to post due to large dogs and owner — placed documents on the porch,” the affidavit of service reads. 

According to records from the Teller County Public Trustee’s database on foreclosed homes, the sale of the property is scheduled for Nov. 13, and the outstanding principal balance owed on the property is $98,662.55. 

On Wednesday, the Teller County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the Highland Lakes fire is believed to have been started by a person, and criminal charges are being considered as part of the investigation.

The house has since burned to the ground. A few burned vehicles are still parked outside, sitting just inside the yellow Sheriff’s Office tape that prohibits anyone from entering the property as investigations continue. At this time, no charges have been officially filed. 

Highland Lakes fire evacuees appreciate open doors provided by friends, neighbors

Neighboring houses appeared untouched by the flames, with burned grass being the only hint of the scare the community had over the past three days. Over 700 households were evacuated due to the fire. 

Sheriff’s officials lifted evacuation orders Wednesday at noon, allowing residents back into their homes through proof of residence. All road closures were lifted at 4 p.m. 

Containment of the fire reached 80% by 11 a.m. Wednesday, at 166 acres. No deaths were reported and the only damaged structure is the foreclosed house on Beaver Lake Circle, according to officials. 

“It wasn’t really a big fire, but it had so much potential,”  Sheriff Jason Mikesell said in Wednesday morning’s briefing. “We hit it with everything that we could muster.”