DENVER -- The man who started the Picnic Rock Fire is appearing in a Larimer County courtroom Tuesday.

Anthony Sanchez has been charged with fourth-degree arson for knowingly starting or maintaining a fire that placed a building in danger.

Sanchez said he accidentally started the 8,900-acre blaze while burning garbage in his back yard. If convicted, Sanchez could serve a maximum of one year in jail, and be fined $1,000.

In the meantime, Larimer County commissioners have extended the county's ban on open burning, which was set to expire Tuesday.

Some Poudre Fire Authority and Larimer County sheriff's officials said the ban should be extended because of drought conditions that could mean high fire danger this summer. Firefighters also are worried that national resources for fighting wildfires will be stretched, so prevention will be key.

The fire restrictions will last through Aug. 1. The restrictions prohibit open fires (camp and cooking fires), the use of fireworks, and public fireworks displays but do allow contained open fires. Smoking outside a vehicle or building is also restricted.