FORT COLLINS, Colo., April 9 (UPI) -- A Colorado man is charged with allegedly starting the wildfire that burned nearly 9,000 acres of rangeland and timber near Fort Collins.
A summons was issued for Anthony James "Tony" Sanchez to appear in court and respond to a fourth-degree arson charge in connection with the fire, KUSA-TV in Denver reported.
Sanchez has admitted to officials that he was burning trash when he lost control of the fire March 30, the station said. If convicted, he could face up to one year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
The wildfire burned 8,900 acres around Poudre Canyon west of Fort Collins. About 150 homes were evacuated, but one was destroyed. The firefighting cost $2.8 million.
Sanchez told KUSA-TV earlier this week that angry neighbors had been driving by his home at night with their high beams on, honking horns and shouting obscenities.
