FORT COLLINS — A 36-year-old Fort Collins man is facing a felony arson charge for his role in starting the devastating Crystal Fire, which charred almost 3,000 acres and cost about $3 million to fight.
Thomas Howie allegedly started the fire by burning debris at his parent’s home in Bellvue in rural Larimer County.
An arrest warrant for Howie is expected to be issued within 24 to 48 hours, said Larimer County Sheriff spokesman John Schulz. Howie will be charged with one count of fourth-degree arson, a class four felony.
A $10,000 personal recognizance bond has been recommended for Howie.
On April 6, sheriff’s investigators were contacted by a local attorney representing Howie, Schulz said. The lawyer said his client had information about the Crystal Fire and he wanted to speak to investigators.
Howie subsequently met with investigators and admitted that he started the fire while burning a slash pile, Schulz said. Howie left the property but did not report the fire.
Howie couldn’t be reached for comment Monday afternoon.
The Crystal Fire started the evening of April 1 and was one of the most devastating and costly in Larimer County history. In all, 13 homes were destroyed in addition to numerous other private property. Three firefighters were injuring the fire suppression efforts.
The fire burned 2,940 acres before it was declared contained on April 11. Additional operations extended through April 15, Schulz said. At the peak of the fire, there were about 450 people assigned to its suppression.
Monte Whaley: 720-929-0907 or mwhaley@denverpost.com
