A transient from New Jersey faces up to six months in Douglas County Jail for trespassing on Washoe tribal land after a camp fire he admitted setting caused a wildland blaze that scorched a quarter-acre in Clear Creek.
East Fork Justice Jim EnEarl appointed Derrick Lopez to represent Raymond Fenners, 48, who was arrested after tribal officers found his driver's license at the site of the fire that broke out June 21.
Assistant District Attorney Michael McCormick argued Wednesday against releasing Fenners on his own recognizance.
"There was a fire as you are well aware of," McCormick said. "He's going to go back out and live in the woods and set another fire."
"I wouldn't do that," Fenners said.
He told the judge he would have to contact his mother in New Jersey to see if she could post his $187 bail.
"I am not a criminal," he said.
Fenners said he could avoid living in the woods if someone provided him with housing.
EnEarl pointed out that Fenners was being housed in the jail.
"They're feeding you, too," EnEarl said.
He set another hearing for Wednesday. The fire was reported about 3:30 p.m. June 21, and units responded from the tribe, Carson City Fire Department, Carson City and Douglas County sheriff's offices, East Fork Fire District and the Bureau of Land Management.
According to reports, tribal officers found Fenners' driver's license at the fire and arrested him Sunday when they returned to the camp.
The area is near the Carson City/Douglas County border.
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