(Photo courtesy of Yavapai County Sheriff's Office)

Gene Alan Carpenter

A man accused of endangering firefighters by flying a drone over the Goodwin Fire pleaded not guilty Thursday in Mayer Justice Court. Gene Alan Carpenter is free after posting bond.

Gene Alan Carpenter of Prescott Valley pleaded not guilty to charges of felony endangerment, as well as possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, according to Mayer Justice Court Judge Bill Rummer.

Carpenter is accused of hampering firefighting efforts, and recklessly endangering aircraft and fire crews in the air, and on the ground, by flying a drone above the Goodwin Fire. That fire forced thousands of people from their homes.

Yavapai County deputies tracked down Carpenter after he was spotted flying the drone hours after the fire was first reported on June 24.

Goodwin is free after posting a $25,000 bond.