Nelson man sentenced for starting 4 fires during 2024 wildfire season

David Travis, 45, was sentenced to two years less a day in custody for three counts of arson after starting four separate fires in Nelson, B.C., on July 24, 2024. The fires occurred during extreme wildfire conditions, with 91 active fires in the West Kootenay region and 66 burning out of control. Travis lit a grass fire in Gyro Park, set a home ablaze by igniting cardboard and a propane canister, and started a third fire in the yard, while a fourth fire was lit in an industrial area. Firefighters required a helicopter with a water bucket to extinguish the 1,000-square-meter park blaze. Travis was arrested with two lighters in his possession and admitted to believing human trafficking was occurring in the city. He will spend 593 days in custody after credit for time served and must stay 10km from Nelson for three years under probation.