A 26-year-old North Platte man is facing a felony arson charge after he allegedly lit a firework that sparked a wildfire in North Platte on March 16.
According to the North Platte Police Department, since the time of the fire, police have received information from several individuals saying that the fire was started by a firework that had been lit in the area. Several witnesses were reportedly contacted by police.
Following an investigation, police determined that Aaron Clark and several other people had been having a picnic in the 1600 block of East 16th Street (Cody Park).
Police say witnesses stated that Clark lit an artillery shell without a tube to entertain the group.
Because Clark did not use a tube, the artillery shell failed to launch into the air and exploded on the ground.
Authorities say this caused several small fires to start in the area.
Clark and the group were unable to put the fires out, according to police, and left the area.
The fire then grew, burning 110 acres before emergency personnel were able to bring it under control.
Police made contact with Clark and cited him for 3rd degree arson, a class IV felony.
No further arrests are expected.
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