Judge Takes Up Restitution Claims for Wallow Fire

A judge considered restitution claims for those who suffered property damage or other losses in Arizona’s largest wildfire.

Caleb and David Malboeuf could be on the hook for up to $3.5 million.

The prosecution and defense have agreed on more than $3 million in claims. U.S. Magistrate Mark Aspey in Flagstaff will consider those and other claims totaling nearly $500,000 that the attorneys say do not have enough documentation or are questionable.

The Wallow Fire burned about 840 square miles in Arizona and parts of western New Mexico before it was contained. The U.S. Forest Service has agreed not to seek repayment for the $79 million it cost to fight it but could initiate a civil action.

The Malboeufs were given community service as part of their sentence.