Environment
BIA fire chief sentenced for starting fires in S.D.


A fire chief for the Bureau of Indian Affairs was sentenced on Tuesday to 30 days in prison and was ordered to pay $1,500 in restitution for starting fires on the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Reservation in South Dakota.

Dennis Shipman admitted starting the grass fires that burned 73 acres of land in March 2003. He said they defensive burns meant to protect trees.

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BIA official sentenced for setting fires (AP 5/4)