GILLETTE, Wyo. — The felony arson case against a man accused of starting a large-scale grassfire on Gap Road will go to trial this November, Campbell County court records say.
David K. Spiker, 62, will appear for a jury trial on Nov. 4 for a single count of felony third-degree arson, a charge relating to his actions that started a 52-acre grassfire on Gap Road earlier this year as he was attempting to clear weeds from his property, court documents state.
According to an affidavit of probable cause filed in the case, Spiker was arrested on March 10 following multiple reports of an out-of-control grassfire on Gap Road. The fire caused significant damage to equipment, buildings, a boat and a vehicle.
According to the affidavit, the arresting deputy concluded Spiker took the proper steps in notifying the authorities of his intent to burn weeds; however, he failed to have an appropriate method to contain or extinguish the fire if it got out of control.
When Spiker realized he had lost control of the fire, he ran to get his skid steer to contain it but was ultimately forced to call for emergency aid, the affidavit states.
When interviewed by deputies, Spiker claimed the wind suddenly kicked up after he started the burn. Weather information, however, indicated wind conditions were consistently between 12 and 17 mph during the fire, per the affidavit.
It was ultimately found that Spiker’s actions constituted criminal recklessness or endangerment by not taking proper precautions before starting a fire that caused significant damage to his neighbor’s property, court documents state.
Felony third-degree arson is punishable by up to five years in prison, a $5,000 fine or both, per Wyoming State Statute.
