Gravel Pit Fire arsonist headed to Deer Lodge

A transient man originally from New Jersey who pleaded guilty to starting the Gravel Pit Fire south of Libby in 2023 is headed to Deer Lodge.

Joseph Anthony Eutsler, 41, entered his plea Jan. 9 in Lincoln County District Court and was sentenced to 20 years, with 10 suspended by District Judge Matt Cuffe. He first pleaded not guilty to the charges in August 2023. 

Cuffe followed the terms of the plea deal that called for Eutsler to receive a 20-year sentence, with 10 suspended, in the Montana State Prison. He will receive credit for 602 days he has served in the county jail. 

The public defender fee of $800 was waived and Cuffe determined Eutsler had no ability to pay restitution.

It is expected there will be restitution due because the 300-acre fire burned trees on timberlands belonging to Green Diamond Resource Company.

Eutsler was ruled fit to stand trial in the summer of 2024 after doctors from the Montana State Hospital, Dr. James P. Murphy and Dr. Daniel Bemporad, evaluated him and determined he was fit and able to proceed. 

Eutsler is being held on $250,000 bail in the county jail. 

According to charging documents, Eutsler previously lived in Williamstown, New Jersey. But he was described as living in his van at the time of the offense.

According to the probable cause statement by county Sheriff’s Office Deputy Anthony Jenson, Eutsler was arrested on the evening of Aug. 1 at the gravel pit located near Silver Butte Road after a woman called 911 at about 6:22 p.m. to report the fire near mile marker 60.

Fisher River Valley Fire Rescue responded to the scene and found the man who started the fire at the scene.

Captain Boyd White and Jenson responded and spoke with Eutsler. He told them his vehicle had broken down and he had been parked in the gravel pit for about two days. The defendant said a marked patrol car had driven past and he tried to wave for the officer to stop, but the car continued to drive, according to Jenson’s statement.

Eutsler allegedly said he was upset and started the fire to create a signal to force law enforcement to come.

Jenson reported seeing singed hair on Eutsler’s right arm and Capt. White found a bottle of lighter fluid next to an open door of the defendant’s van. It was also reported that Eutsler had a lighter in his pocket.

The officers also reported that when they arrived the fire had grown to an estimated five acres and damaged timber and property belonging to Green Diamond. Within two hours the fire grew to about 50 acres and was heading in a northeast direction where there are numerous residences along the highway.

The 304-acre fire was contained later in August. The cost of the blaze was estimated between $1.5 and $2 million.

Eutsler faced a sentence of up to 20 years in the Montana State Prison.