facebook-pixel

Central Idaho man charged with starting large wildfire

(Ted S. Warren | The Associated Press) In this Wednesday, July 18, 2018, photo, a trail sign and trees that were burned in a 2017 wildfire stand out from the blue sky a few miles from the Coolwater Fire Lookout in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests near Lowell, Idaho. Fire-lookout towers, perched atop remote, craggy peaks across the U.S. West, may seem like quaint reminders of an era before satellites, smartphones and jet-propelled air tankers, but the structures and the people who staff them play a crucial role in the nation's front-line efforts to stop wildfires.

By Keith Ridler | The Associated Press
  | Aug. 3, 2018, 5:43 p.m.

Boise, Idaho • A central Idaho man authorities say started a wildfire by shooting exploding targets is facing charges and could ultimately have to pay the cost of fighting the fire that grew to 85 square miles on Friday.

Blaine County prosecutors on Thursday charged 35-year-old Ryan Jensen of Bellevue with a misdemeanor under an Idaho law that involves malicious injuries to property.

Nearly 500 firefighters are fighting the Sharps Fire about 6 miles east of Bellevue. The fire is burning timber, grass and brush.

Officials say Friday will be a tough day with high temperatures and high winds.

The fire is 29 percent contained, officials say, and won't be fully contained until Aug. 12.

It’s not clear if Jensen has an attorney.

By Keith Ridler | The Associated Press