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Man Enters Not Guilty Plea to Wildfire Arson Charges

Fire burned more than 1,600 acres and caused the evacuation of residents in Deep Creek Canyon

By Associated Press

HELENA – A man has pleaded not guilty to charges that he started a wildfire in the Helena National Forest last month.

Robert Alexander Norman pleaded not guilty in Broadwater County District Court on Friday to one count of felony arson, one count of felony negligent arson and one felony count of criminal mischief.

The Independent Record reports that court documents say the morning of July 21 Norman was seen leaving the area where the fire started near Cabin Gulch off of U.S. Highway 12 about 14 miles east of Townsend.

The fire burned more than 1,600 acres and caused the evacuation of residents in Deep Creek Canyon. Highway 12 between Townsend and White Sulphur Springs was closed and about 110 residents were left without power.