He says that this damage is almost certainly brand new and done by the tenants in an attempt to relight.

Hello Everyone,I recently ran into a house in my area that was damaged from Hurricane Mathew.

Colission damages are one issue, but liability, that one could put you in the poor house big time if the insurance solution is not iron clad.  

Specific to Colorado:http://www.landlord.com/state-habitability-statute...which states: Running water and reasonable amounts of hot water at all times furnished to appropriate fixtures and connected to a sewage disposal system approved under applicable lawRemedy is here:Upon no less than ten and no more than thirty days written notice to the landlord specifying the condition breaching the warranty of habitability and giving the landlord five business days from the receipt of the written notice to remedy the breach, a tenant may terminate the rental agreement by surrendering possession of the dwelling unit if the condition is not remedied or damages paid.

It is an on-going expense some times but I roll that over onto the tenant if they damage them.

I have garages on my property so I've added that the tenant is liable for any damage they do to the garage as an addendum.

They might also sue for other damages as well, and quite honestly I hope they do. 

Should I go through formal eviction with them even when they are moving out at the end of the month or should I just wait until they move out to start legal process for damages/costs? 

Also they tend to shed snow cleanly as compared to shingles which might 'weep' the melting snow, re freeze, and then create an Ice Dam which can do damage to not only the siding, but to the insulation and ceilings.

It's a gamble as some can be damaged but it's usually a good deal.2.