Teen Arrested in Yucaipa Fire Suspected of Starting at Least 14 Other Blazes

Investigators have connected a series of arson fires to the teenager caught yesterday afternoon for allegedly starting the Crafton Fire, currently burning between Yucaipa and Mentone. The recent Pendleton and Oak Glen III fires are just two of the 14 he is suspected of starting.

"District Attorney Mike Ramos said his office is looking into whether they can charge the teen as an adult," reported the Press-Enterprise. "Under state law, prosecutors could make such a filing if there is destruction of an inhabited dwelling or bodily harm, he said. That didn't happen in any of the fires this month, he said."

The Crafton Fire began yesterday afternoon around 4:39 p.m. in the Crafton Hills area of Yucaipa. Witnesses said they say the 16-year-old teen flee on a bicycle and sheriff's deputies arrested him soon after. As of this morning, the fire had scorched 475 acres 347 acres and was 60 percent contained.