Woman who started Colorado’s worst wildfire re-sentenced
The woman who started Colorado’s largest wildfire was re-sentenced Wednesday and will spend more time on probation.
Terry Lynn Barton — who claimed she burned a letter from her estranged husband, which ignited the Hayman Fire in 2002 — will spend the next 15 years on unsupervised probation. Barton’s prior 15-year-long probation ended in March 2018.
The Hayman Fire ultimately burned more than 138,000 acres in four counties and destroyed 133 homes.
Judge William Bain also ruled that Barton, the former U.S. Forest Service technician, must work 40 hours per week in order to make larger restitution payments to the victims of the fire. Barton had recently been working an average 12 hours per week while living in California and caring for her two small grandchildren.
Barton had been making regular restitution payments in the amount of $150 each month without fail. That payment amount was determined by the courts, based upon her income levels. She has paid a total of more than $15,500.
However, Barton still owes an astounding $42,486,659.55 — an amount likely she, nor many others, won’t achieve in a lifetime.
It all means the 1,000-plus named restitution victims have not received much.
“Whether these victims are receiving nickels or dimes, they deserve more,” argued Deputy District Attorney, Carissa Cruson.
Barton’s defense attorney said continued payments would cause undue hardship for Barton.
Judge Bain ruled that the law and restitution payments trump duty to kin, thus ruling Barton find a full-time job.
“While I recognize you are certainly creating an enormous economic benefit for your daughter, and a benefit for the grandkids, the law requires that you work up to at least 40 hours a week,” said Judge Bain.
Barton refused to make any comment to KRDO NewsChannel 13.
4th Judicial District Attorney, Dan May however, was pleased with the outcome.
“She chose to start a fire that day that was one of the most devastating. She made a choice not to make full payments of restitution,” said May.
Barton and her husband rent a house with five acres in California.
The probation department is currently assessing and amending Barton’s payments to reflect the new order.
