Federal Prosecution Sought for Arizona Fires
The U.S. Forest Service has announced that the federal government is pursuing prosecution related to a series of fires in southern Arizona, including the Reddington Fire, the Base Fire, the Cody Fire, and the Jacobson Fire.
Residents of Oracle, who experienced the Cody Fire firsthand, shared their perspectives on the legal actions being taken. Harold Wright, a local resident, stressed the importance of accountability in these situations.
“If someone ignites a fire that damages someone else’s property, they need to be held responsible,” Wright remarked.
The Cody Fire resulted in the destruction of five homes within the Oracle area, highlighting its impact on the community.
“This has affected many people in our community,” Wright added.
The Forest Service has linked the Cody Fire to human behavior, indicating that it is one of four fires caused by people. The other incidents include the Kochise County Base Fire, the Reddington Fire in Pima County, and the Jacobson Fire in Graham County.
The Department of Justice is actively pursuing those deemed responsible for these fires. However, no details have been released about specific actions against any suspects.
Another resident from Oracle, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed support for legal repercussions, depending on the severity of the actions involved.
“If it’s a crime, they should be prosecuted based on what they did,” the resident stated.
This individual had to evacuate due to the Cody Fire, which produced significant plumes of black smoke.
“I had to get all the animals out, including two horses,” they shared.
Wright noted that his son and daughter-in-law also had to evacuate and faced challenges upon returning to their home.
“Having my family at my place isn’t a problem, but it was tough for them wanting to get back to their own home,” Wright reflected.
Altogether, these four fires have scorched over 3,300 acres. In a related incident, the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office reported a separate case involving a 67-year-old man.
David Lindley was cited for conducting a reckless burn that ignited a cedar fire, which burned 10 acres a day before the Cody Fire in Oracle.
