Long Island volunteer firefighter arrested for starting brush fire in New York area during dry fall.
A volunteer firefighter was arrested in Long Island for allegedly starting a fire in a wooded area during a time when New York State is experiencing an increase in brush fires and wildfires due to dry conditions. Jonathan E. Quiles, 20, admitted to lighting cotton balls on fire and placing them under a Chevrolet sedan in Medford, N.Y., causing the car and surrounding debris to catch fire. This incident occurred amidst multiple brush fires in the area on Tuesday.
Quiles, a volunteer with the Medford Fire Department, faces charges of second-degree reckless endangerment, fourth-degree arson, and fifth-degree arson. He pleaded not guilty in a Central Islip courtroom and was released under supervision with GPS monitoring. He is scheduled to appear in court again on Monday. The Medford Fire District has suspended Quiles from his position, pending the outcome of the case. If convicted, he will be terminated from his role.
In a letter posted on the department’s Facebook page, Craig G. Cowell, chairman of the fire district, mentioned that firefighters undergo arson background checks, and there were no prior indications of Quiles’ involvement in intentional fire-setting activities.
Source: The NY Times
