Teen suspected of starting Power Fire

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November 17, 2009 2:42 PM

THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER

Forest officials announced today that a 17-year-old who “carelessly” used a cigarette lighter is suspected of starting a fire that burned 329 acres above Springville in September.

The Power Fire started along Highway 190, approximately one mile east of the Upper Coffee Camp day use area in the Western Divide Ranger District in the Giant Sequoia National Monument. It was discovered the evening of Sept. 27 by a forest service employee returning to the office.

Arson has not been ruled out as a motive. The juvenile will be referred to the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

The fire destroyed a portion of the flume that runs between the PG&E Powerhouse and Springville, leaving 1,000 residents above Springville without power for 12 hours. It also closed HIghway 190 between Springville and Camp Nelson for three days.

Fire officials urge the public to be “fire safe,” when visiting the forest and public lands.

Contact Jenna Chandler at 784-5000, Ext. 1050, or jchandler@portervillerecorder.com.

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