The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has issued two citations against a person accused of starting the North Hills Fire several weeks ago.
The North Hills Fire burned more than 5,000 acres in July and August, triggering some evacuations of homes in the area.
The suspect has been cited with one count of causing a fire other than a campfire, and one count of burning timber trees, slash, and brush outside of a campfire.
Each citation has a fine of $500 plus a $30 processing fee, for a total fine of $1,060.
BLM Butte Office Field Manger Scott Haight told MTN News that they are not releasing the name of person at this point.
Haight said the reason for withholding the name is because the case still being investigated.
He added, “There is also a potential backlash component. There are some folks still upset-- and I don’t blame them-- but we want to make sure this individual receives a fair hearing.”
The complaint will be filed through the federal court system and the suspect will have 30 days to respond.
The Lewis & Clark County Sheriff's Office reported that the cause of the North Hills Fire was someone shooting at exploding Tannerite targets.
