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.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
