Watch CBS News

Spring Fire Suspect Jesper Joergensen Faces 141 Counts Of Arson

LA VETA, Colo. (CBS4) - Jesper Joergensen, the man accused of starting the Spring Fire, was informed in court on Thursday that he faces 141 counts of arson.

Jesper Joergensen from Costilla Co SO
Jesper Joergensen (credit: Costilla County Sheriff)

Investigators say Joergensen is from Denmark and in the country illegally. They say he built a fire pit to cook food and told authorities he believed the fire was out afterwards. The Spring Fire that the fire pit triggered in late June went on to destroy at least 148 homes near La Veta in southern Colorado.

Spring Fire
The Spring Fire burning in Costilla County on Thursday (credit: CBS)

Joergensen made his court appearance by phone Thursday. CBS4 partner KKTV reported he was silent over the phone as he was advised of the charges against him.

The Spring Fire burn area covers more than 107,000 acres. It is 83 percent contained. All mandatory evacuations have been lifted in Huerfano County and Costilla County.

Wildfire Resources

- Visit CBSDenver.com's Colorado Wildfire section.

Wildfire Photo Galleries

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

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.