The potential legal consequences of not following active fire restrictions in Colorado were put on display this weekend, with the arrest of two suspects alleged to be involved in sparking a 75-acre wildfire via an illegal burn.

According to the Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office, two men, aged 41 and 60, were arrested on August 17 for their allegedly roles in starting the Oak Fire in the area of Aspen Springs near Pagosa Springs on August 10. The men were allegedly conducting an illegal burn that was in violation of the Second Amended and Restated Ordinance Number 18-2017, which regulates open burning in unincorporated areas of Archuleta County.

The Oak Fire started at about 1:15 p.m. on August 10, originating from a burn barrel and quickly spreading through Aspen Springs subdivision, also spotting about a half-mile away in a neighboring subdivision. The fire was eventually contained later that evening at about 75 acres, though it did prompt multiple evacuations and road closures. KDVR reports that the fire threatened more than 2,000 homes, as well as that the sheriff’s office estimated damages in the range of about $2 million.

The men were arrested on charges of 4th-degree arson.

Archuleta County remains under stage one fire restrictions at this time.

This case goes to show how important it is to be aware of and follow fire restrictions when these are put in place. Not only can the results of a fire gone awry be devastating, but serious legal consequences can follow illegal burning.

Learn more about how you can minimize the impacts of a campfire from Leave No Trace here.