Ranch foreman Kenneth Lutz was charged today with fourth degree arson for causing a southern Colorado wildfire last month that scorched nearly 4,000 acres and destroyed five homes.
Lutz, 56, faces felony charges for recklessly burning forest debris. Slash piles he had ignited last November on a Huerfano County ranch smoldered until Jan. 6 when they flared up in high winds.
“His slash piles were poorly constructed, and were still smoldering,” said Sheriff Bruce Newman of Huerfano County.
Too much dirt in the piles and other inflammable debris kept the piles from adequately burning when they were lit, and then those piles were not properly extinguished, Newman said.
Lutz first called firefighters Jan. 6 when he saw the fire, but called back and said the fire was under control, Newman said. The fire department came to Canyon Springs Ranch where Lutz is employed to check for hot spots and spent the day fighting the flames.
“Between the wind and dry conditions, the fire got out of control,” Newman said.
The Mauricio Canyon fire ran across Huerfano and Las Animas counties before firefighters and a snowstorm helped bring it under control.
The fire, which is still smouldering, has cost more than $413,000 to fight, according to Barbara Timock, with the U.S. Forest Service.
Lutz was arrested Wednesday, and following his advisement this morning is scheduled to return for a hearing March 9.
He faces a fourth-degree felony arson charge, and up to six years in prison, as well as a fine of up to $500,000.
