News - National
Teen charged with setting 2,100-acre LA wildfire
Posted: Sep 18, 2009 2:20 PM by Associated Press
Los Angeles County authorities have filed arson charges against a 13-year-old boy they believe started a 2,100-acre wildfire last month. Prosecutors on Friday charged the boy from El Monte with two felony counts: arson of a forest and recklessly causing a fire. His name wasn't released.
The boy is accused of sparking a fire in the Angeles National Forest near Azusa on Aug. 25. The fire scorched more than 3 square miles, but no homes were damaged.
Another arson fire erupted in the forest a day later, burning nearly 251 square miles and destroying 89 homes. Authorities haven't accused the boy of involvement in that blaze.
The boy isn't in custody, but he must show up for a November arraignment.
If convicted, he could be sent to a juvenile facility until he turns 25.
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