CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. --
A Marine pleaded guilty Tuesday to starting an October 2008 brush fire on the back side of Camp Pendleton, 10News reported.
In a court martial at Camp Pendleton, Lance Cpl. Nason Lamb said he was guilty of starting the blaze, which threatened homes and farms just outside of the military base.
On Oct. 13, 2008, there were two fires, with the first possibly caused by an explosion during a training exercise. Lamb admitted to starting the second fire in the area.
"The second started as a wisp of smoke and my daughter and I were on the deck watching the large fire, and we looked over and that wisp of smoke suddenly had a flame," said homeowner Jo Ann Burnett, one of several civilians called to testify.
Lamb said he was just goofing off when he picked up a clump of dry grass and lit it.
Pushed by hot, dry winds, the Juliette Two Fire as it was called -- merged into the first fire.
Andrea Peterson owns property along the back side of the base, and said she could still see the scars.
Peterson's house was saved, but the fire went around it and damaged much of her organic farm.
"We lost crops in the field. We lost irrigation systems, we lost a green house, we lost ornamentals," said Peterson, who was also called to testify.
Peterson and Burnett said they do not hold a grudge against Lamb.
"This does not change my opinion of the Marine Corps; we are strong supporters of the military," said Burnett.
Peterson said, "I feel sorry for him. Unfortunately, in California you can't play with fire in fire conditions."
Because of a plea agreement Lamb will be reduced in rank from a lance corporal to private and be given a bad conduct discharge.
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