Woods fire charge

Coldbrook man charged following Lockhart Mountain Road woods fire

A Coldbrook man has been charged with arson following a woods fire in that community Aug. 10 that burned approximately one hectare within minutes.

Derek Wayne Moriarty, 40, was present in Kentville provincial court in custody Aug. 15. He’s charged with intentionally or recklessly causing damage by fire to the woods on Lockhart Mountain Road.

He was released on a recognizance with a surety and $1,000 bail. The matter has been adjourned to Sept. 27 for election and plea. The charge has not been proven in court.

Kentville firefighters re- sponded to the blaze just after 4 p.m. Aug. 10. A total of 22 firefighters were on the scene, along with a Department of Natural Resources officer and the RCMP.

Following the fire, Kentville deputy chief Jeff Martin said it took only five to eight minutes for the fire to spread from approximately a 20-foot by 20-foot area to approximately one hectare. The fire reached as close as six metres away from a home.

Firefighters were able to catch the fire before it started spreading up the trees, which Martin said helped with containment. The surrounding area was sprayed down to ensure no hot spots remained.