Man who caused 450-acre wildfire in Louisa found guilty twice
VENN
LOUISA COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- A 46-year-old man will pay out over $50,000 after he caused a devastating 450-acre wildfire in Louisa County.
On March 20, 2024, a state of emergency was declared in Louisa due to a large wildfire. Firefighters worked overnight to suppress the flames, which ultimately burned about 450 acres.
Residents were then faced with the daunting task of rebuilding what was lost -- including those in the Twin Oaks community, who lost half of their total property.
Heavy smoke in the area of the Louisa County wildfire on March 20. (Photo: Cheyenne Pagan/8News)
Heavy smoke in the area of the Louisa County wildfire on March 20. (Photo: Mark Morales/8News)
Later that year, it was announced that a Louisa farm owner, James Grant League, Sr., had been accused of starting this wildfire. He was charged with leaving a fire unattended and careless damage to property by fire.
League was found guilty of both charges during a two-hour trial by jury in September 2024.
He then appealed his conviction and asked for a new trial, according to a press release from the Louisa County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office.
Twin Oaks community six months after a devastating wildfire hit Louisa County. (Photo: 8News)
However, League ultimately chose to enter a guilty plea on Wednesday, June 18.
The judge ordered League to pay a total of $51,219.75 in fire suppression costs. He must do so by Aug. 18.
“While the convictions carry minimum fines, we are glad the Court ordered Mr. League to pay the fire suppression costs that would have otherwise been borne by the taxpayers," said Rusty McGuire, Louisa's Commonwealth's Attorney, in the release. "His actions were reckless, dangerous and caused substantial damage to his neighbors."
Louisa's Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney, Megan Riordan, added that she wants this conviction to serve as a warning.
"We hope this case sends a message to the community that the law requires you to monitor brush fires and, if you leave the fire unattended, you will be held accountable for damage caused by the fire," she said.
