On the evening of January 22, 2026, at 8:04 PM, there was a troubling incident involving a 911 report of a significant fire at the Calco building, across the Arkansas River from downtown Salida.
Public records, including dispatch logs, 911 audio, and call notes obtained through open records requests, reveal that no fire or sign of smoke or flames were ever located. This was after a substantial response from 7 units including Salida Fire Department and Salida Police Department. What makes this report particularly noteworthy? The 911 caller was Chaffee County Commissioner PT Wood, a former Salida mayor who resides nearby. He reported observing a “pretty good fire” with visible flames and smoke from approximately a quarter mile away, describing it as a “large fire” viewed from the west.
Responders arrived promptly, checked the open entrance, searched inside and around the structure, and cleared the scene within about 24 minutes, finding nothing amiss and declaring it “unable to locate” (UTL). The complete absence of any evidence of fire naturally raises questions, especially given the caller’s position as an elected official.
Commissioner Wood is currently seeking re-election to a second term as District 3 County Commissioner, having announced his candidacy in late January 2026, just days after this false fire report. In his announcement, he emphasized “listening to the people of Chaffee County”. Beyond listening, how about supplying some answers?
It’s possible the 911 call was simply an honest mistake, but the geography complicates that explanation. Commissioner Wood’s home is relatively close to the Calco site. Hours after sunset, the view of what was described as a “large fire” with visible flames should have been obvious. Another possibility that cannot be ignored is some form of perceptual distortion or hallucination, potentially brought on by substances or a mental health issue.
As co-founder and operator of Wood’s High Mountain Distillery in Salida, Commissioner Wood has long been associated with the craft spirits industry. In interviews and profiles over the years, he has spoken openly about his passion for whiskey, including origins tied to river trips where “we drank a bunch of whiskeys” and shared bottles among friends—sometimes noting that “cases of whiskey are consumed”, leading to his decision to start a distillery business. While enjoying one’s own craft is understandable, the role of County Commissioner is one of public trust and carries expectations of sound judgment.
Here we have a false alarm that mobilized multiple emergency vehicles and personnel. Chaffee County Commissioners hold significant authority over land use, budgets, and policy decisions affecting all residents. But County Commissioners report to no one, except the people themselves. We are expected to place our confidence in their reliability and clarity of mind. Incidents like this, if unexplained, can erode that trust. Especially true during an election cycle. I respectfully request that Commissioner Wood address our community directly: What led to the false report? Was there an environmental factor, a momentary error in observation, or something else? Transparency would serve everyone. The citizens of Chaffee County deserve answers.
For reference, here is the 911 call transcript key and excerpts from the official call notes:
January 22, 2026:20:04:19 – Transcript of 911 Call
“911 Emergency”
“Hey, there is what looks like a pretty good fire at the Calco Building”
“OK, are you able to see if it’s…what type of fire it is?”
“Ummmm… <indecipherable>… I am a quarter mile away from ‘S’ Mountain but it’s a big fire.”
“OK, and you see flames?”
“I do, yup”
“What is your name?”
“PT… Wood”
“And what is a good phone number for you, sir?”
“<Phone Number Redacted>”
“Alrighty, we’ll go ahead and get fire going out that way. If anything changes before they get there, give us a call back immediately at 911”
“<indecipherable>… Thank you”
Radio Crosstalk between Dispatch and Responders:
20:04:45: “pretty good fire at calco – rp sees flames and smoke – rp states he is a quarter of a mile away and says its a large fire”
20:07:54: “sa19 is fire inside or outside?”
20:10:13: “sa19 f st turnaround entrance is open i do not see any fire”
20:12:33: “sa19 standing here do not see any signs of fire or smoke”
20:12:59: Caller identified as “<phone number redacted> pt wood”
20:15:24: “rp he is seeing fire from the west side of the building”
20:23:35: “sa7 – sa19 and i went inside and were unable to locate anyone inside the building”
20:27:52: “sa7 cleared the building spd clear”
20:28:15: “sfd checked the area utl we are clear”
(“rp” is reporting person)
Vince Phillips
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