Man Denies Charge of Reckless Burning
An Ojai man pleaded not guilty Monday to a single charge of reckless burning in connection with a Sept. 6 wildfire that burned 150 acres in Matilija Canyon.
James Alan Strasser, who is in jail on a parole violation, appeared with a public defender at a brief morning court appearance.
Strasser, 43, was spotted in a car leaving Matilija Canyon on three good tires and a bare steel rim as the fire began to spread through the hills. Investigators later found his license plate near the point where the fire began and followed a trail of shredded tire to Strasser’s home.
When deputies arrested him, Strasser admitted that he sparked the fire while drunkenly trying to light a cigarette, authorities said.
Strasser was charged with reckless burning instead of arson because the fire was not intentionally set, Deputy Dist. Atty. Richard Simon said.
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