HARTSEL, Colo. — An 83-year-old man faces felony arson charges related to a wildfire in Park County that burned 41 acres and prompted evacuations near the town of Hartsel earlier this month.
The Park County Sheriff announced that Robert Heneghan faces a charge of fourth-degree arson. According to the sheriff, there is "probable cause" to believe that Heneghan started a fire on his property on April 12. It spread and caused the Badger Creek Fire that damaged property and injured a firefighter who had superficial burns. No structures were lost.
A burn ban was in place at the time of the fire and remains in place now.
“This fire was preventable. We remind the public that the county is in a Stage 1 Fire Ban which prohibits open flames, ashes or heat sources. We must all be more vigilant and think twice before working with anything outdoors that can create a spark,” said Sheriff Tom McGraw.
The fire was fully contained on April 13.
Heneghan is due in court on May 15, according to the sheriff's office.
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