News: Angel Fire - Felony charges - Two Julian teenagers

JULIAN – Two Julian teenagers, accused of starting the 850-acre Angel fire that destroyed one house and a large part of an Episcopal church retreat, will appear in court later this month for a preliminary hearing on felony charges of recklessly starting a fire.

If convicted, Francisco Javier Abarca, 19, and Mario J.W. DeLuca, 18, both of Julian, could also be held liable for the $3 million cost of fighting the September fire, officials say.

The blaze, caused by an illegal campfire, forced the evacuation of hundreds in the mountain town on Sept. 15. Seventeen buildings were destroyed at Camp Stevens, which was purchased in 1952 jointly by the Episcopal Dioceses of Los Angeles and San Diego.

Abarca and DeLuca are charged with a form of arson that does not require prosecutors to prove they intended to burn forest or buildings. If convicted, the teens face a maximum of three years in prison.

The arrests of Abarca and DeLuca in January were not publicized by authorities.

Two weeks after the Angel fire, Cal Fire investigators said they had identified suspects and confirmed that an unattended campfire grew out of control and started the wildfire.

Details about what happened have not yet come out in court because a hearing was postponed recently to allow defense lawyers time to research the legal issue of what constitutes reckless as opposed to simple negligent behavior, Deputy District Attorney Gordon Paul Davis said yesterday.

, Battalion Chief Jim Garrett said yesterday that should someone be convicted of starting the Angel fire, “we will seek restitution.” He also said anyone found legally responsible could face lawsuits from property owners who lost buildings in the blaze.

DeLuca, who was arrested Jan. 8, also faces unrelated burglary and attempted-robbery charges for an incident in Julian after the fire. He remains in the George Bailey Detention Facility in Otay Mesa on $125,000 bail.

Abarca was arrested Jan. 18 and posted a $25,000 bond the same day.

The Angel fire began near the top of a hill, just west of Camp Stevens. A chapel and several lodges were lost.

Kathy Quinney, operations director at Camp Stevens, said that the retreat is planning on a full summer schedule and that rebuilding should begin soon.

Source: SoSD