Transient accused of starting Hardy fire near Flagstaff pleads innocent

FLAGSTAFF, AZ - A transient accused of starting a wildfire that burned almost 300 acres and forced the evacuation of nearly 170 residences on the southern outskirts of Flagstaff has pleaded not guilty in the case.

Authorities say 54-year-old Randall W. Nicholson entered his plea Wednesday via video in Flagstaff Magistrate Court to one count of burning of a wildland and one count of camping in the city limits. Both are misdemeanors.

City attorneys say it's uncertain whether felony charges will be filed at a later date.

Nicholson was arrested Sunday. He remains in the Coconino County Detention Facility on $2,500 bond.

The California man told authorities he was camping in a wooded area a few miles from downtown Saturday when he built a small campfire for either cooking or making coffee. Investigators believe Nicholson dumped coals from the fire on the ground before leaving the site and that touched off the so-called Hardy fire.