Firefighters catch arsonists in the act

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Shane Dunaway
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Three military dependents were detained March 21 after they were caught setting a fire in the family campground area here.

The individuals confessed to setting the fire as well as another fire near the area March 20. 

"I went back to the scene to make sure the previous fire had not rekindled," said Tom Wade, base fire chief. "That's when I spotted the first child on the hill near the burned area. When I went around to the back area, that's when I spotted the second and third child, and they had just started the second fire, which they confessed to right away." 

Members from the base fire department and the 4th Security Forces Squadron arrived on the scene to quell the fire and provide assistance in detaining the individuals. 

"We're all first responders," said Investigator Jason Adams, 4th Security Forces Squadron. "We work as a cohesive unit in order to secure the scene and find the suspects responsible." 

Though the individuals cannot be prosecuted for the offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, the parents can be held financially liable for the damages caused by the incident, according to the 4th Fighter Wing legal office. 

To report suspicious activity, call 722-1211.