U.S.F.S. R5 News: Region 5 - Fire Investigations

Forest Service Places Emphasis on Fire Investigations

VALLEJO, Calif., Nov. 20, 2008—Due to strong efforts made by U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement and cooperating agencies, leads have been identified, suspects have been arrested and convictions have been made on various fires in the past two weeks.

A transient who started the 2006 Day Fire that burned more than 162,000 acres was sentenced Nov. 18th to 45 months in federal prison. In addition to the nearly four-year sentence, Steven Butcher was ordered to pay $101,652,000 in restitution to the Los Padres National Forest. Butcher must pass a mental competency test prior to his release from prison. The U.S. Attorney's Office Environmental Crimes Unit provided strong leadership and through its prosecutorial efforts, brought closure to these fires.

Additionally on Nov. 18, during a joint news conference, it was announced that a multi-agency investigation task force had determined the cause of the Tea Fire. The agencies that worked together to solve this case consisted of U.S. Forest Service, Cal-Fire, Santa Barbara County Fire, Ventura County Fire and Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department (SBCSD). With the help of a critical lead provided through an SBCSD anonymous tip line, investigators were able to identify 10 young adults who were at the property know as the "Tea House" in the 700 Block of East Mountain Drive, on Wednesday night and early Thursday morning. The task force determined that a bonfire started by the young adults was the origin of the Tea Fire. Although the individuals believed they had extinguished the bonfire, it is not uncommon for fires of this type to have an ignition potential for several days. Due to the weather conditions on Thursday, the fire reignited. At this time reports are being prepared and submitted to the District Attorney's office which will decide if any criminal charges will be filed.

Also on Nov. 18, U.S. Forest Service and Santa Barbara County Fire Department investigators announced that a suspect has been arrested on arson charges associated with the Gap Fire. The agencies that worked together to solve this case consisted of U.S. Forest Service, Santa Barbara County Fire, with assistance from Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Dept., Cal-Fire, and Ventura County Fire. The suspect is 16 years old and is in custody in a juvenile detention facility. Charges will be filed with the District Attorney's Office. The estimated cost of suppressing the fire exceeded $20 million.

A multi-agency investigative team is asking for the public's assistance to help establish the cause of the Sayre fire which started on Nov. 14, 2008. Investigators have spoken to witnesses, but are still seeking additional information that may assist with the ongoing investigation into the fire. This joint investigation team is comprised of seasoned investigators in southern California, and includes members from the U.S. Forest Service, Los Angeles County Fire Investigations, Los Angeles City Fire Arson Investigation Unit, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

"We place a very high priority on fire investigations because few other crimes pose anywhere near the threat to our precious natural resources and public treasures," said Marion Matthews, Pacific Southwest Region Assistant Special Agent in Charge.

Source: NEWS RELEASE: USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region 1323 Club Drive, Vallejo, CA 94592
Contact: Public Affairs, 707-562-9004
Tags: Gap Fire, Sayre Fire, Tea Fire, Day Fire