BREAKING NEWS: Crystal Fire started by man burning slash

Investigators say the Crystal Fire blaze that torched 13 homes and almost 3,000 acres in the foothills west of Fort Collins was caused by the son of a property owner burning slash.

Thomas Howie, 36 of Fort Collins, will be charged with 4th degree arson, which is a class four felony. A warrant for his arrest is expected to be issued in the next 24 to 48 hours, according to a press release from the Larimer County Sheriff.

The press release says that a local attorney representing Howie contacted the Sheriff’s Office investigators on April 6 and said his client had information about the fire he wanted to talk to investigators about. Upon meeting with investigators, Howie admitted to starting the blaze while burning a slash pile. He left the property at 2394 Granite Road in Bellvue without reporting the fire.

Officials have recommended a personal recognizance bond of $10,000 for Howie.

The Crystal Fire started on April 1 and was fully contained by firefighters on April 11, with some operations continuing until April 15. The total cost of fighting the fire is estimated to be about $3 million.