Plea deal reached in Santa Catalina Island fire case
An electrical subcontractor pleaded no contest Wednesday to a charge of recklessly starting a brush fire on Santa Catalina Island in May 2007.
Gary Dennis Hunt, 51, was extradited from Indiana last January to face two charges for the fire, caused when he used an open-flamed torch to cut cables on the island's radio tower, according to Deputy District Attorney Ann Ambrose.
Hunt is expected to be sentenced to three years in state prison when he returns to Long Beach Superior Court on May 28, Ambrose said.
The fast-moving blaze injured several fire fighters and caused an estimated $20 million in damages, destroyed several structures and more home as it swept across more than 4,000 acres. Hunt has agreed to pay at least $5 million in restitution, but the full amount he will pay will be decided at a later hearing.
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Sorry for that guy. He was stupid or better, ignorant. He is from Indiana and there are almost no wild fires there. He did, however, put out several small fires from the sparks the day before and that indicated neglence. I hope his sentenance is spreading the word about how easy it is to start a wild fire.