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OCTOBER 9, 2000

Janice Stevenson has pleaded innocent to setting the largest fire in the history of the Black Hills.

Stevenson has admitted to lighting a cigarette and throwing the burning match to the ground, starting the fire. But she has admitted to leaving the area, rather than putting the fire out.

She faces a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 charge if found guilty under federal law. Under state law, under which she may be prosecuted, she could face 25 years in prison.

The fire cost $9.1 million to put out and caused $100 million in damages. It burned 83,000 acres in September.

Get the Story:
Wyoming woman suspected in Jasper Fire may face state charges, too (AP 10/9)

Related Stories:
Largest Black Hills fire burns (Enviro 08/29)
Black Hills ablaze (Enviro 08/28)

Relevant Links:
The Jasper Fire - www.fs.fed.us/r2/blackhills/jasper.htm