Rangers catch arsonist after small wildfire in Willamette National Forest [Video]

LANE COUNTY, Ore. (KPTV) – A man was arrested after they started a small wildfire near the Willamette National Forest earlier this month, according to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

On July 6, a column of smoke from the fire was spotted by a helicopter and it was quickly put out. BLM was notified since it was determined the fire was located on BLM land in Lane County.

Investigators determined the wildfire had been started by someone burning garbage they had illegally dumped on public land. With help from the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, investigators were able to quickly identify the suspect.

BLM says the suspect, who was not identified, confessed to dumping the garbage and returning the next day to burn it. The suspect had reportedly returned with a canister of diesel fuel, worried that his fingerprints would be on the garbage and would be traceable to him. …