Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — The investigation into the fire at the Rabbit Ears Motel on July 17 has been handed over to insurance company investigators, Fire Marshal Jay Muhme said Friday.

He said an insurance investigator representing the motel took possession of a fan thought to have started the fire. Muhme said it’s not clear that the fan caused the fire, but it was “the only … source of ignition in there.”

He said the report from the insurance agency would be available to the city when it was complete, as would the damage totals. He said insurance company investigators are taking charge of the investigation because they have more money to put toward the investigation than the city would have.

5th annual Chuck Wagon Chili registration opens

Chili cooks are invited to enter recipes in red chili, green chili or firehouse categories in the 5th annual Chuck Wagon Chili Challenge. Salsa and cornbread categories also will be included in this year’s event. Voting for the people’s choice award is open to anyone who buys a taster kit for the event, which is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 5 at Eighth and Oak streets downtown.

There will be live music, dancing, food and craft vendors from the farmers market, children’s activities and more.

Mainstreet Steamboat Springs also is seeking judges to taste and rate red, green, firehouse (hot), salsa and chili entries. Those interested should e-mail tracy@mainstreetsteamboat.com or call 970-846-1800. To enter the competition or to be a vendor, visit the events page at www.mainstreetsteamboatsprings.com or call 970-846-3352.