Summit Fire Trial Set for Jan. 28

The trial for the has now been set for Jan. 28, 2013, as the prosecutor in the case, Santa Clara County Deputy District Attorney David Boyd was in trial.

Channing Parker Verden is now being represented by who's asked Superior Court Judge Rise Jones Pichon for as much time possible to carefully review the case before beginning.

Verden's previous attorney, Michael Hingle, withdrew from the case in February due to what Boyd said was the defendant's inability to pay for counsel.

Verden has been charged with recklesly starting the inferno more than four years ago after it's alleged he left burning piles of debris at a home located at 31000 Summit Road owned by Los Gatos resident Andrew Napell.

Cal Fire has said the Summit fire burned 4,270 acres, began at 5:17 a.m., destroyed 35 residences, 64 outbuildings, caused 16 injuries and cost more than $16 million to fight.

A Google map on Cal Fire's website shows how the inferno engulfed many mountainous areas in Los Gatos and came dangerously close to Highway 17, 10 miles roughly from the center of town, according to Cal Fire spokesman Daniel Berlant.

If convicted, Verden could be sentenced to up to seven years in prison or receive probation or no jail time, Boyd said.

It's possible, however, that Verden could receive probation, Boyd said.