Steamboat Pilot & Today

Tree are set ablaze

at Steamboat Ski Area

A tree reportedly was set on fire just after 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Steamboat Ski Area.

Ski Patrol received calls from multiple skiers about the blaze in a wooded area between the lower Rainbow and Whiteout ski runs, said Steamboat Ski and Resort Corp. spokesman Mike Lane.

Ski Patrol and U.S. Forest Service officials arrived shortly after the first report, and by that time, the fire was "pretty much out," Lane said. The 65-foot evergreen tree burned completely, Lane said.

"Even though it's winter, the timber is still dry," Lane said.

The Forest Service is investigating the fire, which appears to be caused by arson, Lane said.

Building Department to temporarily limit services

The Routt County Regional Building Department will offer limited services March 1 to March 5.

Inspections and plan reviews will take place during the week but on a limited basis. The office will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a closure from noon to 1 p.m.

Department staff will be attending the Colorado Chapter of the International Code Council Education Institute in Denver.

Pentathlon registration

is being accepted

Registration for the 13th annual Steamboat Pentathlon is being accepted through Wednesday. The five-stage event -- Alpine skiing or snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, mountain biking and running -- will be held March 6. Standard and short-course races will be offered. Volunteers are needed to assist with various stages of the race and will receive an event T-shirt and catered lunch for their help. Call 879-4300.

Area women forming

bible study group

A group of area women is forming an international, non-denominational community bible study group. Interested participants should call Patti and 879-7883.