Former fire department administrator James Bartels of Rio Grande was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for starting 26 wildfires in Wayne National Forest in 2022. Bartels admitted to using a lighter to start the fires to “give the boys something to do” after resigning from his position. The fires burned approximately 1,300 acres of federal and state land, resulting in over $638,000 in costs. Witnesses saw Bartels near the forest area where fires were reported, and his vehicle’s infotainment system placed him at the scene of the blazes when they started. Bartels had also worked as a police officer at various agencies. More than 100 firefighters from multiple states were called to battle the blazes. Bartels’ actions not only endangered lives and property but also strained emergency response resources. The sentencing serves as a stern reminder of the consequences of intentionally starting wildfires for personal reasons.
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