GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo.—A Carbondale rancher faces arson charges over a wildfire in April that damaged four homes and burned a fisherman.
Prosecutors accuse Larry Del Gerbaz of allowing a slash pile on his property to remain smoldering, only to have high winds a few days later kick it up into a fire that burned across 1.5 miles.
He is charged with one count of felony fourth-degree arson putting a person in danger and one count of misdemeanor fourth-degree arson putting property in danger. He appeared in court Wednesday with his attorney, Tom Silverman.
Deputy District Attorney Jeff Cheney says he interprets Colorado law to allow arson charges, even if the person setting the fire did not intend to cause harm.
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Information from: Aspen Daily News,
