BRIDGER, Mont. (NMB) – A Bridger man has been arrested after being alleged to have started the Robertson Draw Fire south of Red Lodge that has burned nearly 30,000 acres.
John Lightburn, 55, is facing the charges of felony negligent arson and felony criminal mischief.
On July 13th, Lightburn was believed to be riding his motorcycle on a dirt trail that had been closed to motor vehicles. Lightburn allegedly told a Forest Service law enforcement officer that he spilled gasoline while trying to repair his bike.
He is then believed to have checked his spark plug, causing a spark that ignited the fire. He is being held in the Gallatin County Detention Center.
As of Thursday morning, the fire was at 29,601 acres with 53 percent containment.
