Two 16-year-old boys on Wednesday pleaded guilty to starting last summer's North Table Mountain Fire.
The boys, who are not being identified because of their age, pleaded guilty to one count of fourth-degree arson and one count of firing in woods and prairies.
They were sentenced to one year probation with the possibility of one year in juvenile detention if they get in trouble with the law again. They must also complete 40 to 45 hours of community service with the Fairmount Fire Protection District, the agency that fought the fire.
The boys were also ordered to pay nearly $170,000 in restitution, which includes not only losses to homeowners impacted by the fire, but also for the cost of the fire response. Their parents' homeowners insurance will pay that, the district attorney said.
The fire that broke out July 22 charred more than 200 acres near Golden and spread quickly because of the gusty winds and extremely dry conditions. The teens were seen shooting off fireworks in the area before the fire broke out.
Penny Coleman told 7NEWS that before the fire started she heard three pops and saw the teens running away. She grabbed her camera and snapped shots of them. Her home and all the others were spared by the blaze but she was angry that carelessness caused such alarm.
The fire forced a number of evacuations, but no homes were lost in the fast-moving blaze.
District Attorney Scott Storey solicited and received substantial community input regarding the handling of this case. At one meeting of about 40 community members as well as officials from the Fairmount Fire Protection District, Storey was told by the attendees that the boys had both demonstrated remorse and accountability, and that they did not want them to carry felony adjudications into adulthood.
"We have listened to the community most impacted by this fire and agree that these young offenders have indeed taken responsibility for their actions. Rehabilitation and accountability are cornerstones of the juvenile justice system and those goals have been reached today," Storey said.
Previous Stories:
- August 11, 2005: Teens Charged With Setting Table Mountain Fire
- July 23, 2005: Authorities Believe Teens With Fireworks Sparked Grass Fire
- July 22, 2005: Firefighters Battle North Table Mountain Fire Near Golden
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