UPDATE: The man accused of igniting the devastating Alexander Mountain Fire near Loveland has pleaded not guilty to six serious charges, including first-degree arson. Jason Hobby, 50, made the plea in 8th Judicial District Court this morning, intensifying a case that has captured public attention.
Hobby is facing a litany of charges stemming from the fire, which erupted on July 29, 2024, and scorched nearly 10,000 acres in LARIMER COUNTY. His indictment includes first-degree arson, two counts of impersonating a peace officer, false imprisonment, menacing with a weapon, and impersonating a public servant. Each charge carries significant legal consequences, with arson classified as a class 3 felony.
The fire’s destruction included parts of the historic Sylvan Dale Ranch, where Hobby was employed as a security officer until his termination in July 2024 due to multiple incidents with staff and visitors. Notably, over a thousand acres that the ranch planned to donate to the Heart-J Center for Experimental Learning were also affected, a decision Hobby allegedly opposed.
According to investigators, Hobby attempted to present himself as a hero following the fire, despite lacking formal firefighting credentials. A ranch staff member expressed concerns that Hobby might have started the blaze to gain admiration from colleagues after facing disciplinary action.
In October, Judge Sarah Cure allowed the case to move forward to trial, a decision that prompted Hobby’s defense attorney, Mark Savoy, to appeal to the Colorado Supreme Court. The appeal was denied on November 13, solidifying the path toward trial.
Hobby’s trial is set to begin on July 6, 2026, lasting three weeks. A notable absence on July 14 will be marked, indicating no proceedings on that specific date.
The implications of this case extend beyond legal ramifications; the community is still reeling from the aftermath of the fire. Local residents and environmental advocates are closely monitoring developments, as the destruction has had profound ecological and economic impacts.
As the trial date approaches, the spotlight will remain on Hobby and the allegations against him, with many awaiting the outcome of this high-profile case. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
