Klamath Falls, OR – A Bly Mountain man was arrested Saturday after deputies said he allegedly set multiple brush fires that threatened homes in southern Oregon.
According to the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, fire crews responded around 1 p.m. Friday to the area of Hummingbird Lane and Bunting Road on Bly Mountain for reports of a brush fire. Firefighters from Klamath County Fire District 5 and the Oregon Department of Forestry quickly contained the flames and stopped them from spreading to nearby residences.
Deputies said a witness reported that the suspect, identified as Henry J. Garza, 37, intentionally set six fires in the area using gasoline and a flare gun. Four of the fires were allegedly ignited on Garza’s property, while two were on the victim’s land. Investigators said they recovered evidence at the scene, including a gasoline container and burned materials.
Authorities said the fires posed a significant threat to the community due to dry fuels, steep terrain, and windy conditions. Deputies located Garza on Saturday during a follow-up investigation. He was arrested without incident and booked into the Klamath County Jail on three counts of arson, two counts of reckless endangering, as well as menacing and coercion charges.
No injuries were reported, and crews successfully prevented the flames from reaching homes. The sheriff’s office said the case remains under active investigation in coordination with fire investigators.
Officials thanked firefighters and first responders for their rapid response and reminded the public that wildfire danger remains high in the region. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious fire activity immediately by calling 911.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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