A juvenile has been charged with starting . The blaze caused an estimated $10 million in damage on federal, state and private lands.
The charges, two counts of juvenile delinquency, were filed on Monday, according to a U.S. Attorney’s Office media release.
“Specifically, the juvenile gathered up leaves and underbrush around a bush, and using a Bic lighter, lit the underbrush causing it to burn and ignite nearby timber, all located on Bureau of Land Management land,” the release said.
The defendant, who was not identified, will receive a summons to appear in federal court in Durango.
The Weber Fire started June 22 near Mancos and forced the evacuation of about 150 people. No homes were burned.
If convicted, the juvenile faces a possible prison term and restitution.
The fire was investigated by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, with assistance from the Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office.
Kieran Nicholson: 303-954-1822, knicholson@denverpost.com or twitter.com/kierannicholson
