January 24, 2012
By: Carrie Van Brunt-Wiley
Officials in Reno, Nevada, say a local resident has come forward, admitting he likely started the massive Washoe wildfire which burned through the region for much of last week.
The Associated Press reports the elderly man said he improperly disposed of ashes outside, sparking the brush fire which has now led to dozens of home insurance claims with nearly 30 homes destroyed. Authorities told the source that it's unclear what formal charges he could face.
"The fact he came forward and admitted it plays a role. But so does the massive damage and loss of life," Washoe County Sheriff Mike Haley told the AP. "It's a balancing act."
Officials say the man could face jail time for arson, or even be asked to reimburse the state for all of the money used to fight the fire. They told the news agency those costs could top $1 million.
This week the Federal Emergency Management Agency allowed federal funds to be released to help the state pay for the costs of fighting the massive wildfire. That declaration allows for a grant of up to 75 percent of the costs.
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