A volunteer firefighter from Medford, New York, has been arrested for allegedly starting a brush fire in Suffolk County on Long Island. The incident occurred despite extremely dry conditions in the region, according to Suffolk County police.
The suspect, identified as a 20-year-old volunteer firefighter named Jonathan Quiles, was apprehended for allegedly setting a fire in a wooded area around 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The fire also caused damage to a car parked nearby.
Quiles, who served in the Medford Fire Department, has been suspended from his position following the arrest. He faces charges of fourth-degree arson, fifth-degree arson, and second-degree reckless endangerment. Court records indicate that he pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Medford Fire District stated that they conduct arson background checks on members before admission and had no prior knowledge of any potential arson tendencies in Quiles. The incident is currently under investigation by the Suffolk County Police Department's Arson squad.
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney expressed frustration with New York's bail reform laws, which prevent bail from being set for certain offenses, including arson under current conditions. Tierney called for legislative action to address the limitations of the bail system.
New York has implemented a statewide burn ban until November 30 due to the dry conditions and recent wildfires in the state. The ban prohibits outdoor fires for brush and debris, uncontained campfires, recreational fires, and open fires for cooking.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized the importance of adhering to the burn ban and urged residents to report any fires promptly to authorities, stay vigilant, and monitor local forecasts and law enforcement alerts.
