From the Muskogee Phoenix:
An Oklahoma Forestry Service firefighter was arrested Monday in connection with a series of wildfires intentionally set in Cherokee County.
Mike Malenski, 38, was placed on administrative leave pending termination following the arrest. Malenski served seven years as a forest ranger based in Tahlequah.
Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, & Forestry law enforcement officers investigated the fires after receiving calls regarding the possibility of arson. Officials said they will be presenting the case to the Cherokee County District Attorney for prosecution.
“We investigate arson and we bring those we catch to justice. It was regrettable that it was one of our own employees,” said Mark Goeller, assistant director in charge of fire operations with Oklahoma Forestry Services.
Arson is a felony punishable by up to three years imprisonment and a fine of up to $5,000.
Thanks Dick
I am a retired fire chief/fire marshal from Alpena Michigan the home town of the accused and have known the Family for many years.
I am shocked to say the least and they are good people.
It sounds like he did it and then I have no mercy for any arsonist.
Even Type I Incident Commanders have fallen into this mode: remember back in the Southwest GACC in 2005?
A very few people employed by the forestry services have yet to get the message that their job is to prevent wildfire, not start them.
The OK Forestry Service did all a favor by taking the right action quickly.