An 18-year-old Lewis and Clark County teen has admitted to playing a role in starting the Horse Gulch Fire, which burned more than 15,000 acres, cost around $20 million in suppression, and resulted in the death of a pilot. The teen was supervised by a probation officer after being released from a juvenile detention center and was placed on probation until he turns 21. The defendant pleaded guilty to starting the fire with bottle rocket fireworks and logs piled together, which led to the tragic death of the firefighting pilot Juliana Turchetti.

The Horse Gulch Fire was first reported on July 9, 2024, near Canyon Ferry Reservoir, and continued to grow rapidly. Investigators found evidence of used bottle rocket fireworks and logs at the ignition site, and multiple tips from a social media post led to the identification of the teens involved. The defendant admitted to starting the fire with another juvenile by lighting grass on fire, thinking it was extinguished, but it later ignited into the massive blaze.

Despite the severity of the case, the defendant was placed on probation until age 21 with conditions that include no access to fire-starting materials, U.S. Forest Service property, or National Forest Service lands without approval. The defendant must also complete 100 hours of community service and pay restitution. The Lewis and Clark County Sheriff expressed frustration with the limitations on punishment for juveniles, and charges against two other juveniles involved in the case are still being investigated.