Larimer County Sheriff’s Office investigators arrested a man suspected of sparking the Alexander Mountain fire that charred 9,668 acres after burning for almost 20 days.

The blaze, which ignited west of Loveland in Larimer County on July 29, shut down U.S. 34 between Loveland and Estes Park until Aug. 8. Evacuation orders were lifted on Aug. 12.

Jason Alexander Hobby, 49, faces charges of first-degree arson, impersonation of a police officer (two counts), menacing, false imprisonment and impersonating a public official.

Hobby was arrested Tuesday and is free on a $450,000 case bond. He appeared in Larimer County Court for a hearing to advise him of the charges he faces.

Investigators allege Hobby, who worked at the Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch, represented himself as a law enforcement official and certified firefighter, despite having no formal law enforcement or firefighting credentials.

“Evidence indicates that on multiple occasions prior to the fire, Hobby stopped travelers on ranch property while driving a Chevrolet SUV designed to look like a law enforcement vehicle,” according to a news release. “The suspect reportedly represented himself as law enforcement, falsely told individuals they were trespassing, and pointed a firearm at them.”

Controlling the fire took more than 530 local, state and federal personnel, according to the release, and “immediate responses from area partners such as the Loveland Fire Rescue Authority, the Glen Haven Volunteer Fire Department, the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, and the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control prevented loss of life and limited property damage.”

“The Alexander Mountain fire destroyed homes, endangered lives, and scarred our community – literally and figuratively,” said Larimer County Sheriff John Feyen. “I’m extremely grateful for our LCSO investigations team and U.S. Forest Service partners who worked nonstop to find answers in this case. I also want to thank the Sylvan Dale Ranch staff. Despite the fire danger at their doorstep, they were extremely supportive during the fire response and cooperated with our investigation in its aftermath.”

Four homes were damaged, 29 homes and 21 outbuildings were destroyed, according to investigators.

“The private and public property damage is estimated at more than $30 million,” according to the release. “The burn scar and surrounding area now faces increased risk of flash flooding and debris impacts.”

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Crime Stoppers of Larimer County at (970) 221-6868 or www.stopcriminals.org.