MONTROSE – Just when the Colorado Bureau of Investigation thought the investigation of an arson fire in Montrose was complete, another witness came forward and the investigation has reopened.

Dave Linnertz, assistant director of the CBI lab in Grand Junction, said last month that the investigation was “wrapping up” and would soon be turned over to the LaPlata district attorney, which is prosecuting the case.

But a surprise witness called in, Linnertz, said, so now investigators have to see if they have new evidence.

The fire destroyed the two-story building housing the Montrose Athletic Club on Apollo Drive on Sept. 24 of last year. Linnertz said with a new witness popping up, agents had to go back to work.

“They had to go out and do some more interviews and make sure they have that nailed down, to prove or disprove what somebody said,” he said. “But it’s still moving at a snail’s pace.

The LaPlata DA is handling the case to avoid a conflict of interest since the owner of the athletic club is the brother of the Montrose DA.