Authorities have reported that a 49-year-old man from Loveland allegedly ignited Colorado’s Alexander Mountain fire. The July wildfire scorched almost 10,000 acres and destroyed more than 50 structures in Larimer County.
Accused
The man, identified as Jason Alexander Hobby, is accused of posing as a wildland firefighter to bypass roadblocks and access restricted areas. Hobby was arrested on Tuesday and faces charges of first-degree arson, according to booking records. He is currently held in the Larimer County jail with a bond set at $250,000.
Not the first time
Investigators discovered that Hobby, who once worked at Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch, had also impersonated a police officer in the months leading up to the fire. He reportedly pulled over drivers in a Chevrolet SUV resembling a police vehicle. Hobby accused folks of trespassing, and even pointed weapons at them, said Larimer County Sheriff John Feyen during a press briefing on Wednesday.
Bogus insignia and gear
Hobby is accused of modifying a pickup truck with markings from a fictitious “Twin Buttes Fire Protection” department in Wyoming. He wore fire gear labeled with a similar insignia. Authorities confirmed that no such fire department exists.
Originally from California, Hobby has a history of arrests in that state. He is currently the sole suspect in the Alexander Mountain fire investigation.
Investigators believe the fire was started by an unattended campfire near the top of Alexander Mountain.
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Thank you, Gail! 🙂 Wait, I don’t understand. 🤔😯 If the fire began as an unattended campfire, what does him impersonating a fire fighter have to do with it? It was his campfire? How did him pretending to be a fire fighter affect the already-burning wildfire? I am confused. 🤔😯 Thanks again, have a great day, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂
I have that same question and would add maybe he was in the area to get close to the action and look important or in charge. His past history would indicate that. Are they looking for someone to hang a charge on. Just to be clear I’m not defending his actions just wondering.
You ask a good question. I would point out that there is a thing known as firefighter arson. Maybe this was “wannabe firefighter” arson. He’ll get a trial with a jury of his peers.
Thank you, Bud! 🙂 Interesting. Hopefully the trial testimony will be informative in this regard. Thanks again, have a great week, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂