Park Employee Accused of Starting Blaze

June 17, 2002 -- U.S. Forest Service officials say they are sick at heart: the person accused of starting the massive Colorado blaze is one of their own, sent to the area to stop others from starting fires.

Forestry technician Terry Barton, 38, is accused of starting the largest wildfire in state history when she allegedly burned a letter from her estranged husband while on patrol to enforce a fire ban in Pike National Forest.

The blaze, named the Hayman fire, has so far scorched more than 100,000 acres, destroyed 22 homes and threatened suburban Denver. It is about 47 percent contained, and more than 5,000 people remain evacuated.

It is one of seven wildfires burning in Colorado.

Barton appeared in U.S. District Court in Denver today on charges of setting fire to timber in a national forest, damaging federal property and making false statements to investigators. Her voice quavered as she told a magistrate that she understood she could be sentenced to prison time. Barton was ordered held without bail pending a preliminary hearing on the charges.

Prosecutors believe Barton would be a flight risk if granted bail.

"She would return to a community in which there is considerable hostility toward her, which would ask to the prospect of her being a flight risk," said U.S. attorney John Suthers.

If Barton is convicted of all the charges, she could face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of as much as $750,000.

Reported Smelling Smoke

The Forest Service official who delivered the shocking news said it was the hardest announcement he's ever made.

"I want to begin by saying, this is one of the hardest announcements I've had to make in my career," said Rick Cables, regional forester for the Rocky Mountain Region for the U.S. Forest Service and Barton's supervisor. "I'm saddened to say that one of our employees has admitted to starting the Hayman fire."

Barton, who worked for the Forest Service for 18 years and was responsible for giving information to tourists and helping maintain campgrounds, allegedly started her fire on June 8 in an area where campfires are normally allowed, but have been banned since May.

Officials say Barton was the first one to report the fire. She allegedly said she smelled the smoke and tracked the flames, but was unable to put it out. However, they say they were later able to determine that it would have been impossible for her to smell the smoke from the location she reported it.

According to an arrest affidavit, Barton said she set fire to the letter with a match from her purse, let it burn into ashes in a campfire ring, and left. When she returned to the ring, she saw that flames had reached nearby grass, according to the affidavit. She allegedly said she tried to put it out, but couldn't, and called for help.

Officials say she originally denied starting the blaze, but confessed after being confronted with evidence. She was arrested at her home on Sunday and charged with setting fire to timber in a national forest, making false statements, and damaging federal property.

According to the Denver Post, Barton has confessed in writing and on videotape.

Sad News for Proud Agency

Cables said his department is devastated by the news.

"The U.S. Forest Service is a proud agency of men and women who are dedicated to managing and protecting public lands," he said. "We feel horrible about this."

Colorado Gov. Bill Owens says given the extent of the devastation, many people will be angry when they hear the allegations against Barton.

"I think it's important that we not let the apparent actions of one individual negatively reflect upon the fine work done by the U.S. Forest Service," said Owens.

One evacuee, Jody Penny, told The Associated Press she was sickened to learn the person suspected of starting it is from the area.

"We all wanted to believe it was some fool from somewhere else. You can understand that," Penny said. "That it's one of ours makes it real sad."

Barton's next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday. ABCNEWS' Mike von Fremd in Denver and ABCNEWS Radio contributed to this report.