According to investigations, a 49-year-old Loveland man, identified as Hobby, has been accused of sparking the Alexander Mountain fire in Larimer County, which resulted in the destruction of more than 50 structures and nearly 10,000 acres of land. Authorities have revealed that Hobby donned fake wildland firefighter gear and posed as a real firefighter to bypass roadblocks and enter restricted areas.
This incident came to light months prior, when Hobby allegedly pretended to be a police officer, pointing weapons at individuals and informing them they were trespassing while driving a Chevrolet SUV modified to appear like a law enforcement vehicle. Hobby, a former employee of Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch, modified his 4-wheel drive pickup truck with emblems reading “Twin Buttes Fire Protection” out of Wyoming and decorated his fire gear with similar emblems… making it difficult to distinguish him from actual wildland firefighters.
This enabled him to cross roadblocks and access the fire scene. Investigator John Feyen pointed out that it is unclear whether Hobby intended to start the wildfire, “which was sparked by an unattended campfire left in a fire ring near Alexander Mountain.” Feyen expressed gratitude for the investigation team and partners, “as well as the cooperation from Sylvan Dale Ranch staff.”.. who were supportive during the fire response and subsequent investigation.
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After allegedly sparking the Alexander Mountain fire, which destroyed more than 50 structures and burned nearly 10,000 acres in Larimer County, authorities say a 49-year-old Loveland man donned fake gear and posed as a wildland firefighter to get past roadblocks and enter restricted areas as real firefighters fought the flames.
Investigators also found that months before the fire, Hobby pulled people over in their vehicles while pretending to be a police officer in a Chevrolet SUV that was made to look like a law enforcement vehicle, told them they were trespassing and pointed weapons at them, Larimer County Sheriff John Feyen said during a news conference Wednesday.
