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Humans caused thousands of Arizona acreage to burn in spring. Feds now seek to prosecute
Federal officials are seeking prosecutions for four human-caused wildfires that burned through southeastern Arizona this spring, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
Human activity started the Redington Fire (Pima County), Stronghold Fire (Cochise County), Cody Fire (Pinal County), and Jacobson Fire (Graham County), which burned a combined 3,406 acres and at least 18 structures, according to Forest Service announcements. All those fires are now under control by firefighters or extinguished. Law enforcement agencies have not announced any action against the individuals suspected of being responsible as of June 11, and federal officials stated that their investigations are still ongoing.
The Pinal County Sheriff's Department has cited one individual, 67-year-old David Lindley, for allegedly starting the Cedar Fire, which burned 10 acres near Oracle in Pima County on May 20. Lindley was charged with reckless burning, a state misdemeanor, on the same day the fire started. A sheriff's department spokesperson said it was unclear exactly how Lindley started the fire.
A deputy responded to a call regarding a fire that was 'getting out of control quickly,' according to an incident report. When the deputy arrived, emergency fire and medical personnel were treating Lindley for dehydration. Lindley reportedly told the deputy that he was working a mining claim when he lit a cigarette and fell asleep, starting the fire. The deputy also heard from others on the scene that Lindley stated he had started the blaze as a 'signal fire' because he was stranded at the claim without water, though Lindley did not validate that statement. Lindley told the deputy he was working the claim with a friend, who left him alone without any water.
Crews suppressed the resulting Cedar Fire throughout the afternoon, stopping its forward progress by that evening. The fire did not burn any structures.
The most damaging of the human-caused spring fires was the Cody Fire, which consumed 1,223 acres southeast of Oracle in late May. The flames destroyed five homes and eight other structures. Residents of Oracle were evacuated for seven days while the fire burned. The Pinal County Sheriff's Department has not cited anyone in connection with that fire.
All five fires were part of a larger rash of blazes that sparked in southeastern Arizona during the spring months. Lightning started two other blazes, the Parker Fire in Cochise County and the Ranch Fire in Santa Cruz County, during the spring.
Federal and state lands in southeastern Arizona have been under stage 2 fire restrictions since May, meaning campfires, fireworks, smoking away from cleared areas, recreational shooting, and the use of gas-powered motors off established roads are prohibited.
Arizona fire officials predicted in 2024 that human-caused fires could flare up this spring with hot and windy conditions and late precipitation.
Humans start roughly 90% of the wildland fires in Arizona every year, according to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management.
The state of Arizona can charge thousands of dollars in fines for individuals who cause fires, even accidentally. Carelessly throwing cigarettes, working outside with metal tools, dragging trailer chains, driving off-road vehicles without shielded mufflers, discharging firearms, and other activities can all lead to wildfires.
Individuals charged with reckless burning can also face up to six months in jail under Arizona law.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Federal officials investigating four human-caused wildfires in Arizona
