Reader: Should Hewlett fire starter pay millions after Forest Service's North Fork mistake?

As the Hewlett fire near Fort Collins wound down, we noted that James Weber, who admits to accidentally starting it, may be on the hook for restitution in the $3 million range. One reader questions the fairness of such a charge given that the Colorado Forest Service concedes a prescribed...

By Michael Roberts

May 24, 2012

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As the Hewlett fire near Fort Collins wound down, we noted that James Weber, who admits to accidentally starting it, may be on the hook for restitution in the $3 million range. One reader questions the fairness of such a charge given that the Colorado Forest Service concedes a prescribed burn sparked the Lower North Fork Fire just a couple of months back.

Rachel writes:

I agree completely. Ruining someone financially for an accident is not justice. Community service and a REASONABLE restitution is appropriate. The fire in Denver last month was started by the forest service and destroyed lives and homes. Are they paying restitution?

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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