MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) - A Florence man who set numerous wildfires in western Montana over the summer - including the Gash Creek fire, which burned nearly 8,500 acres and cost more than $7 million to fight - was sentenced Tuesday to 10 years in the Federal Bureau of Prisons and ordered to pay $455,00 in restitution.

Jonah Micah Warr, 20, has admitted setting at least 19 fires in Missoula and Ravalli counties. He pleaded guilty under a plea deal in December to nine counts of arson.

Most of the fires Warr set were extinguished quickly. Nine occurred on federal land, scorching thousands of acres in the Lolo and Bitterroot national forests.

Warr was arrested after being spotted in a vehicle along U.S. Highway 12 shortly after a blaze broke out on Mormon Peak Road. He was on probation at the time for string of other crimes, including felony possession of explosives, criminal mischief and burglary.

Chief U.S. District Judge Don Molloy characterized the case as "exceedingly troubling" because of the seriousness of the crime and the defendant's young age.

"I find this case to be extraordinarily difficult," the judge said.

Based on a presentence evaluation, Molloy recommended that Warr be committed to a federal medical facility for psychological treatment before being sent to prison.

Michael Scolatti, a licensed clinical psychologist, testified Tuesday that Warr is a pyromaniac and exhibits a personality disorder that borders on psychopathy.

He said Warr admitted that voices in his head spoke about lighting fires and getting even with people.

"When I read your report, I feel it in my gut that there's real problems with this young man," Molloy said. "I don't think a person like Jonah Micah Warr can be set loose on the public without a lengthy period of incarceration."

Scolatti agreed that if Warr goes without proper treatment, he will pose a threat to the community. But he said Warr has shown a desire and exhibits the ability to improve.

Federal sentencing guidelines recommended a maximum of slightly more than seven years, based on Warr's plea agreement.

But in an order last week, Molloy told Warr's attorney, Kathleen DeSoto, that he was inclined to impose a longer sentence to promote the law and to reflect the serious nature of the crimes.

"I've given this a great deal of thought," Molloy said. "I have grave concerns about the dangerousness of Jonah Warr, and I am particularly concerned about the issues of public safety."

Besides the 10-year prison term, Molloy ordered that Warr remain supervised for three years after his release.

"You have some significant issues you have to deal with," Molloy said. "I hope you get the help you need."

Warr's mother, Linda, testified Tuesday that her son's personality changed noticeably at age 15, when the family's financial problems forced her to start driving truck with her husband.

She saw her son become more withdrawn and quiet but didn't attribute the change to a mental disorder.

"If we could have recognized that about Jonah, we wouldn't be here today," she said.

Warr also addressed the court and apologized to the community and his family.

"I knew I needed help, but I didn't know where to get it," he said. "I don't want this to be my life."