A Colorado man has been charged with first-degree arson following an investigation into a summer wildfire that destroyed 29 homes and caused more than $30 million in property damage, authorities announced Wednesday.
Arrest and Court Appearance
Jason Alexander Hobby, 49, was arrested on Tuesday in connection with the wildfire that began at a guest ranch where he worked, located west of Loveland, about 60 miles north of Denver. Hobby appeared in court on Wednesday, where his bail was set at $450,000. He faces charges of first-degree arson for the fire that spread beyond a fire ring on the ranch on July 29.
Larimer County Sheriff John Feyen said it remains unclear whether the fire was started intentionally or accidentally. The blaze destroyed 29 homes, damaged four others, and burned through 15 square miles of land before being contained on August 17. It also destroyed 21 outbuildings. The cost of extinguishing the fire exceeded $11 million, according to District Attorney Gordon McLaughlin.
Other Charges and Allegations
In addition to the arson charge, Hobby is accused of impersonating a police officer, menacing, and false imprisonment for allegedly stopping travelers on the ranch property in March 2023. Investigators say he was driving an SUV designed to look like a law enforcement vehicle, falsely informed travelers they were trespassing, and pointed a firearm at them.
Hobby reportedly used a pickup truck that resembled a wildland firefighter vehicle to bypass checkpoints during the wildfire, which resulted in additional charges of impersonating a public official.
Concerns Over Flight Risk
District Attorney McLaughlin raised concerns about Hobby’s potential flight risk, revealing that he is under investigation for other fires allegedly set in Wyoming. McLaughlin requested Hobby’s bail to be increased to $1 million in cash, though specific details about the Wyoming fires were not provided, and court officials noted that the affidavit is sealed.
Hobby’s public defender argued against the bail increase, stating that Hobby operates his own business and resides in Loveland with his wife. However, the court raised the bail due to the severity of the charges and the ongoing investigations.
Fire’s Impact and Containment
The wildfire, which burned 15 square miles of land, caused immense destruction, including the loss of 29 homes and extensive property damage. The fire was fully contained by August 17 after nearly three weeks of firefighting efforts. The cause of the fire remains under investigation as authorities continue to piece together the events leading up to the blaze.
