Blaze Scorches Nearly 2 Square Miles in Imperial National Wildlife Refuge
Authorities in Yuma County, Arizona, have arrested a man suspected of starting a wildfire in the Imperial National Wildlife Refuge near the California border.
47-Year-Old Jason Bradley Martin in Custody
Yuma County Sheriff’s officials announced on Saturday night that 47-year-old Jason Bradley Martin had been taken into custody. He is currently being held on suspicion of arson, criminal damage, and other related charges. No attorney information for Martin was available as of Sunday.
Fire Reported in Established Wildlife Refuge
The wildfire was reported around 2:00 pm on Saturday in the Imperial National Wildlife Refuge. Established in 1941, the refuge protects a vital 30-mile stretch of wetland habitat along the Lower Colorado River.
Fire Contained at 20%, Affecting Nearly 2 Square Miles
According to authorities, firefighters were able to contain the blaze by 20% after it scorched nearly 2 square miles of vegetation on the Arizona side of the Colorado River.
Multiple Agencies Respond to Assist Firefighters
Responding to the fire, crews were bolstered by personnel from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the federal Bureau of Land Management. The combined efforts of these agencies brought the fire under some control.
