October 31, 2007
LAist Poll: Playing With Fire
Last week's devastating Agua Dulce/Santa Clarita Valley wildfire was started accidentally by a "male juvenile" playing with matches, the L.A. County Sheriff's Department announced Tuesday.
The Buckweed Fire blackened over 38,000 acres, destroyed more than 60 structures, and led to an estimated $7.4 million in damages.
On October 22, one day after the blaze began, a detective questioned a "boy" who "admitted to playing with matches and accidentally starting the fire," according to the Sheriff's Department's arson investigation.
It is now up to District Attorney Steve Cooley to decide how to deal with the young firestarter and whether or not to press charges.
How do you think the situation should be handled?
photo by Caro via flickr.


