Rim Fire suspect released on $60K bond

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The man charged with setting one of the most devastating wildfires in state history is out of jail.

Keith Emerald was ordered released on Friday on a $60,000 bond. Emerald pleaded not guilty to the charges on Wednesday. Investigators say he started an illegal campfire, which sparked the Rim Fire last August.

Federal court documents show Emerald was rescued by helicopter shortly after the Rim Fire broke out. Investigators say he lied to them twice about how the fire started but later signed a confession.

Emerald faces a maximum of 11 years in prison and more than $500,000 in fines.