Juvenile Detained After Grass Fire Near Highway 62 in White City
Firefighters contained the 40 by 40 foot blaze before it could reach nearby businesses or homes.
WHITE CITY, Ore. — A juvenile was detained Tuesday evening after motorists reported a grass fire burning near Highway 62 in White City, according to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
The fire was reported at 7:22 p.m. in the 8000 block of Highway 62. Witnesses told dispatchers they saw an individual standing near the field as the flames grew.
Jackson County Fire District 3 and Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District crews quickly extinguished the fire before it could spread to nearby businesses or residential neighborhoods.
Deputies arriving at the scene found a burned area measuring approximately 40 feet by 40 feet and contacted a juvenile male nearby.
The juvenile admitted starting the fire during the initial contact, according to the sheriff’s office. Deputies also recovered matches from his possession.
Investigators received information that the juvenile may have been involved in a similar brush fire the previous day. He was taken into custody without incident.
The juvenile’s identity will not be released because of his age.
The investigation remains active. The case will be referred to the Jackson County Juvenile Department for possible criminal charges, including arson.
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