Yuma County authorities have cuffed a local man accused of igniting a massive wildfire that scorched over 1,200 acres of a national wildlife refuge. Firefighters and multiple agencies battled the blaze that erupted by the Colorado River on Saturday, May 25.
Jason Bradley Martin, 47, was nabbed by the Yuma County Sheriff's Office the following day for allegedly starting the Refuge Fire, as reported by FOX 10 Phoenix. The inferno raged into the Imperial National Wildlife Refuge, which abuts picturesque Martinez Lake and was still zero percent contained as of the sheriff's last update.
According to a statement by the authorities, the suspect is staring down charges that include reckless burning, arson of structure/property, criminal damage, burning wildlands violating order, alongside endangerment. The flame's origin, near the bustling recreation hotspot of Zoo Island, underscores the potential hazard it posed to property and lives.
The law enforcement agency continues its probe into the fiery incident. They're calling on anyone with details tied to the case to step forward. Tips can be submitted to the Yuma County Sheriff's Office by phone or through an anonymous digital channel on their website.
