Man Convicted Of Starting Boles Fire Faces A Tentative Three-Year Sentence

The man who started last September’s Boles Fire was sentenced Tuesday to three years in jail with a probation recommendation.

Twenty-five-year-old Ronald Marshall pleaded guilty earlier this month to charges relating to starting the fire.

After the tentative sentence was announced, those affected by the fire had a chance to address Marshall directly. Some voiced disappointment, saying the sentence should have been much longer. Others expressed forgiveness.

Marshall started a campfire near Boles Creek, and has said he attempted to put it out before leaving the area. Fanned by high winds, the fire quickly spread throughout Weed.

The Boles Fire destroyed more than 150 homes and two churches in Weed, forcing widespread evacuations.

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