YAVAPAI COUNTY – Five juveniles have been arrested in connection with the Park Fire. The fire burned an estimated 65 acres near East Park in Bagdad, Arizona.
Investigators discovered 5 juveniles, ranging in age from 11 to 15 years, caused the fire by smoking on the nearby state land, 65 miles west of Prescott in northern Arizona, during a fire ban.
All five of the juveniles will be charged with Reckless Burning, a misdemeanor, and the 15-year-old will also be charged with Tampering With a Witness, a Class 6 felony, for attempting to keep witnesses from incriminating him.
The fire caused partial evacuations in Bagdad and came within 20 yards of structures and residences in the area.
Hot Shot Crews, bulldozers, several firefighters from several different agencies, a spotter plane and a slurry bomber were required to combat the flames and get the fire under control. As a result of their efforts, there was no loss of life, injuries or loss of any structures. The estimated cost of fighting the fire is over $30,000.