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'You're Idiots': Cold Springs Fire Arson Suspects Face Wrath Of Community

By Tom Mustin

BOULDER, Colo. (CBS4) - The two men accused of starting the Cold Springs Fire appeared in Boulder County court Monday afternoon.

According to the Boulder County Sheriff's Office, Jimmy Suggs, 28, and Zack Kuykendall, 26, both of Vinemont, Alabama, have been charged with fourth-degree arson.

Kuykendall and Suggs are facing the wrath of the community.

"You're idiots. I hope you have you pay for it the rest of your life," Boulder resident Brian Zeisloft said.

Jimmy Suggs, Zack Kuykendall
Jimmy Suggs, left, and Zack Kuykendall, right in Boulder County Court (credit: CBS)

Zeisloft told CBS4's Tom Mustin investigators say the pair, along with a woman, Elizabeth Burdeshaw, had been camping Thursday night near the Peak to Peak Highway. They've been identified by witnesses as transients.

Investigators say the suspects admitted failing to put dirt on the flames. Authorities believe the smoldering fire turned into the raging inferno that has since destroyed several homes, more than 600 acres, and displaced 2,000 people.

"I can understand when lightning starts a fire, but when it's humanly started, it irks me to no end," Janice Johnson told Mustin.

Zachary Ryan Kuykendall, Jimmy Andrew Suggs
Zachary Ryan Kuykendall, left, and Jimmy Andrew Suggs, right (credit: Boulder County)

Johnson was evacuated from her cabin in the Whispering Pines area. She attended Monday's hearing because she says she wanted to look the suspects in the eye.

"Without cussing, I think they're idiots. I'm very upset with them because they've torn apart a lot of people's lives," Johnson said.

PHOTO GALLERY: Cold Springs Fire

Kuykendall has a previous record in Alabama which includes rape and burglary charges. Suggs also has drug and theft charges.

On Monday prosecutors called the pair a flight risk. Their bond was set at $200,000 and $150,000 respectively.

Nederland home survives cold springs fire
(credit: Joe McManus)

"They were totally irresponsible. If you're going to camping you need to know the rules. I don't care if you're from another state, wherever you're from you need to know the rules," said Johnson.

As crews continue to battle the Cold Springs Fire, Johnson says the people responsible need to pay.

"Jail time or something, I don't know. They're ruining a lot of people's lives."

Kuykendall and Suggs will be back in court Wednesday to be formally charged.

LINK: Boulder Office of Emergency Management Fire Updates

Wildfire Resources

- Visit CBSDenver.com's Living With Wildfire section.

Wildfire Photo Galleries

- See images from the most destructive wildfires (Black Forest, Waldo Canyon, High Park and Fourmile) and largest wildfire (Hayman) in Colorado history.

Tom Mustin is CBS4's Weekend Anchor. He has been with CBS4 since 2002, and is always looking for great story ideas. Connect with Tom on Facebook or follow him on Twitter @TomCBS4.

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