Multiple Arrests Involving Arson On West Coast

Arsonists found to be behind number of West Coast blazes, authorities say

Joey Pietro, The Western Journal

Summer has been very hot in the U.S. as parts of the West Coast are literally burning with wildfires.

Some say climate change is the problem, but law enforcement agencies are discovering some of these fires to be man-made.

In Oregon, Washington and California, we've seen multiple arrests and charges for arson in September so far

Three men have been charged for arson in Oregon. Two of the fires set have caused great devastation over many acres of forest and Oregonian homes.

ABC News reported that Michael Jarrod Bakkela, 41, received "two charges of arson, 15 counts of criminal mischief and 14 counts of reckless endangering for a fire that was set [Sept. 8] in the Phoenix area in southern Oregon."

Police believe the fire caused by Bakkela compounded on the already burning Alameda Fire, bringing the destruction of "numerous homes."

The News Tribune of Tacoma, Washington, reported the arrest and charge of Elias Newton Pendergrass, 44, on Sept. 1 for a fire near Mapleton, Oregon. He "faces a charge of first-degree arson." The Sweet Creek Fires have destroyed more than 500 acres and caused emergency evacuations.

The Hill reported yet another first-degree arson charge against Jason Maas, 44, who "allegedly started a fire in the woods near the frisbee golf course at Dexter State Recreation Area on [Sept. 9]."

"We are thankful for the community members who spotted and extinguished the fire before it was able to hurt anyone or cause any structure damage," the Lane County Sheriff's Office said.

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