A Colorado man pleaded guilty Wednesday to starting a wildfire that burned over 7,000 acres in Montrose County last year.
Brent Garber was charged with second-degree arson, fourth-degree arson and third-degree trespassing in September for causing the Bucktail Fire, which started when he cremated his dog. The fire began 5 miles northeast of Nucla, Colo., and quickly spread onto federal government-owned land, causing at least $200,000 in property damage.
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Montrose County Sheriff's Office
Garber reportedly spoke with officials days before the fire about his intent to bury his dog on private property.
A neighbor said Garber confessed to placing the dog in a pit and starting a fire, then throwing an aerosol can inside. The neighbor said Garber admitted the can exploded and set a tree on fire, which spread to other nearby trees.
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Telluride Fire Protection District
He reportedly tried to put the fire out with a shovel, but couldn't get close enough. A first responder said they saw him leaving the scene on a four-wheeler.
Garber pleaded guilty to the charge of fourth-degree arson Wednesday, and the two other charges were dropped. His sentencing is set for July 16.
Christa Swanson
Christa Swanson is a Digital Media Producer at CBS Colorado in Denver.