Man Sentenced To 60 Days In Jail For Starting Crystal Fire

February 10, 2012 9:17 PM

Thomas Howie (credit: Larimer County Sheriff)

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FORT COLLINS, Colo. (CBS4)- The man who admitted starting a destructive wildfire in Larimer County has been sentenced to 60 days in jail.

Thomas Howie was burning a slash pile at his parents’ home in April 2011 west of Horsetooth Reservoir without a permit.

The Crystal Fire destroyed 13 homes and more than 3,000 acres when gusty winds pushed the fire out of control.

Howie apologized to the people who lost their homes during this sentencing on Friday.

In addition to the jail time, Howie was also sentenced to six years probation and 1,500 community service.

Wildfire Resources

- Visit CBSDenver.com’s Wildfire Resources section.

Wildfire Photo Galleries

- See images from the most destructive wildfire (Fourmile Fire) and largest wildfire (Hayman Fire) in Colorado history.

Jenna

Indeed, it’s a great day for Colorado Springs when an open space purchase is aperovpd unanimously by our City Council.Eva, your words inspire me to slow down and breathe in all aspects of the land, and to revel in dogs’ inherent ability to be equal in happiness. Wonderful photos, Noel.