Feb. 16, 2018, "Teen who started Eagle Creek Fire gets probation, community service," kgw.com, Hood River, Oregon
"The judge handed down the maximum sentence allowed under the law: up to five years probation and 1,920 hours of community service with the U.S. Forest Service."
"The 15-year-old boy suspected of starting the massive Eagle Creek wildfire in the Columbia Gorge pleaded guilty in court Friday morning....
Oregon State Police investigators said the boy started the fire on Sept. 2, 2017, while igniting fireworks.
He pleaded guilty to reckless burning, depositing burning materials on forest lands, unlawful possession of fireworks, criminal mischief and reckless endangerment of other persons.
The prosecutor said the boy and his family have cooperated with investigators.
The wildfire burned more than 48,000 acres in the scenic Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood National Forest. A representative with the U.S. Forest Service said 121 miles of national forest trails were impacted. A group of hikers had to be rescued after the fire started and several structures burned.
According to a representative with the Oregon Department of Transportation, crews removed more than 12,000 trees to make the area safe. ODOT estimates a projected $12 million in total costs.
The wildfire affected Hood River and Multnomah counties, but Oregon's juvenile code demands that legal proceedings take place in the county where the illegal act originally occurred."...
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