Arson suspected at dude ranch
By MICHAEL GRABELL / The Dallas Morning News
Denton County authorities are investigating several large fires that destroyed at least three buildings Thursday night at Texas Lil's Dude Ranch, southwest of Interstate 35W and FM407, officials said.
At least seven agencies, including the Denton County Sheriff's Department, tried to extinguish the fires, which began about 9 p.m. on East Mulkey Lane.
Officials said the fires were suspicious because several separate buildings were involved and the wind didn't seem strong enough to spread the flames.
The buildings were still ablaze late Thursday, and officials said they had not determined what started the fires.
"It appears to be arson, but it will be the morning before the fire marshal's office can investigate and determine the cause of the fire," Kevin Patton of the Denton County Sheriff's Department said.
Lone Star Bank foreclosed on the property in early October and sold it to a real estate venture last week, said Joe Goyne, the bank's president. The owners of the dude ranch had filed for bankruptcy in September 2003, with about $2.4 million in debt.
Texas Lil's Dude Ranch opened in 1977 and had offered horseback riding, golf, hayrides and swimming. It hosted family outings, parties and corporate team building retreats.
Staff writer Holly Yan contributed to this report.
My guess is the owner who did this, it's probably another one of those "If I can't have it, no one can" kind of cases.