By Sarah Horner
The St. Paul Pioneer Press
FOREST LAKE, Minn. — A former Forest Lake firefighter pleaded guilty this week to felony wildfire arson for starting a fire in 2009 that burned more than 1,500 acres north of the Twin Cities.
John David Berken entered the plea Tuesday, according to Wade Kish, assistant Anoka County attorney.
Kish said Berken will be sentenced to up to 120 days in jail and will serve three years of probation for the fire. He will also be required to pay restitution between $50,000 and $78,000 for the cost associated with putting out the fire.
The fire took place April 9, 2009 in and around the Carlos Avery State Wildlife Management Area in Columbus. A witness spotted a man shooting fireworks into area, sparking the blaze. The witness followed the man’s vehicle, which was later linked to Berken.
Berken was arrested while fighting the fire. He was subsequently suspended from the Forest Lake Fire Department.
Berken is scheduled to sentenced on March 24.
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