Fire leads to arson charge

A Hot Springs man was arrested last week on charges of arson after a large fire at Wild Horse Hot Springs. Dennis D. Larson, 63, was booked at the Lake County Jail on a charge of felony negligent arson on August 26.

Lake County Sheriff Don Bell said in a press release that Hot Springs Volunteer Fire Department requested the assistance of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office due to the large fire started on the property that burned out of control.

Deputies responded and provided aid to the fire department by clearing out onlookers on nearby roads who were creating challenges to fire implement access. A subsequent investigation by deputies in coordination with the fire department led to the arrest of Larson, according to Bell.

Several agencies responded to the blaze, including Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes fire management, Montana DNRC and the Polson, Ronan, Chief Cliff and Rollins fire departments. Support was provided by a helicopter, airplane and several pieces of heavy equipment.

Structures on the property were damaged in the fire. Several piles of tires also burned, sending large plumes of black smoke into the sky.