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Man Acknowledges Starting Wildfire That Destroyed 8 Homes

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — One of three people accused of starting a central Colorado wildfire that destroyed eight homes has pleaded guilty.

KOAA-TV in Colorado Springs reports 19-year-old Kegan Owens struck a deal with prosecutors and acknowledged Monday that he started an illegal campfire in late June. The plea agreement calls for a year and a half in prison followed by a year of probation.

Another adult and a juvenile also were arrested and charged.

Investigators say the trio were camping when they lit an illegal campfire when fire restrictions were in place in Teller County. The three said they left the area when they were spooked by a bear and thought the fire was extinguished.

The High Chateau Fire charred more than 2 square miles (5 square kilometers).

Copyright 2018 Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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