FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) -- The insurer of a fence company accused of sparking a 2006 wildfire that destroyed five buildings in central Arizona has agreed to pay $500,000.

The money will go to the U.S. Forest Service to help cover the cost of battling the La Barranca fire.

The U.S. Attorney's Office in Phoenix says the 836-acre fire was sparked in June 2006 by a grinding tool being used by a Yavapai Fence Company.

The employee was working on a fence in the Village of Oak Creek just south of Sedona.

The fire burned five buildings and forced the evacuation of 200 people from their homes.

U.S. Attorney Diane Humetewa says the $500,000 settlement should send a strong message about human carelessness as Arizona heads into the 2008 wildfire seasons.

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