Colorado Man Who Started Wildfire Banned From Using Fire

A 54-year-old Dolores man who started a wildfire that prompted evacuations in southwest Colorado has been banned from ever using fire again.

The Cortez Journal reports Roger Stratton was sentenced Thursday to five years of supervised probation that bars him from attending an outdoor fire, permitting an outdoor fire at his home, burning trash, disposing of ashes or using a wood stove for warmth.

District Judge Todd Plewe told Stratton “you’re the type of person that shouldn’t have fire. That’s it.”

Stratton, who previously pleaded guilty to fourth-degree arson, acknowledged burning leaves on his property when the wind caused the fire to spread out of control. The Roatcap Fire burned more than 400 acres and prompted evacuations of about 30 homes in Montezuma County after it started Oct. 24, 2012.

Stratton also must pay restitution.