Hearing Tuesday For Man Accused Of Setting $125 Million Rim Fire Near Yosemite National Park

FRESNO, Calif. (AP) - A hearing is scheduled in the case of a Northern California man accused of starting one of the largest wildfires in the state's recorded history.

Keith Matthew Emerald pleaded not guilty in August to a four-count indictment stemming from a blaze last year that burned 400 square miles of the Sequoia National Forest, including parts of Yosemite National Park.

They fire destroyed 11 homes and cost $125 million to fight.

Prosecutors say the 32-year-old was hunting deer with a bow when he lost control of an illegal campfire Aug. 17, 2013.

But Emerald, who is free on bail, is not expected to appear in a Fresno federal courtroom Tuesday. A magistrate judge says Emerald isn't required to attend pretrial hearings.

Emerald's attorney and prosecutors could not be reached for comment Monday.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press.