Arizona Judge Oks $3.7M In Restitution For Wildfire

A judge says two cousins who accidentally started the largest wildfire in Arizona history will have to pay more than $3.7 million in restitution.

The amount covers the loss of homes and other property, cleanup from the Wallow Fire and insurance claims.

Attorneys for David and Caleb Malboeuf say it’s unlikely their clients can pay the amount in their lifetimes. They asked U.S. Magistrate Mark Aspey on Thursday to set the monthly payments for Caleb Malboeuf at $500 and at $250 for David Malboeuf.

Aspey says he’ll issue an order next week outlining the payment schedule. Not all of the claims submitted were approved.

The Malboeufs pleaded guilty to leaving a campfire unattended. The Wallow Fire burned 840 square miles in Arizona and New Mexico before it was contained.