The man accused of starting the Crystal fire that destroyed 13 homes in April today pleaded not guilty to a felony arson charge.
Thomas Howie, 36, will next appear in Larimer County District Court Nov. 29 to begin a four-day trial, said Linda Jensen, a spokeswoman for the Larimer County district attorney.
Howie’s attorney, Kirkland Brush, could not immediately be reached for comment.
The Crystal fire burned for 11 days in April and was one of the most costly fires in Larimer County history. The blaze torched almost 3,000 acres of land and cost $3 million to fight.
Howie, along with seven other people, also faces a civil suit in connection to the fire. Two fire victims sued Howie and others in Larimer County District Court in May, accusing them of negligence.
Liz Navratil: 303-954-1054 or lnavratil@denverpost.com
