Brentwood authorities announced the arrest of a suspect connected to a massive brush fire last November, which required extensive efforts from fire departments across the region. The Brentwood Police Department, with assistance from the New Hampshire Forest Wardens, confirmed the arrest on Friday.
The individual, whose identity is being withheld due to the sensitive nature of the case, faces several charges related to the incident. According to Brentwood Police Lt. Justin Doty, these charges include criminal trespass, illegal kindling of fire, reckless conduct, and criminal mischief.
The fire ignited around 10:30 p.m. on November 18, off Pine Road and Route 111A, and raged for nearly a week before it was extinguished on November 22. Firefighters struggled to manage the flames due to poor access to water and difficult terrain, necessitating support from mutual aid responders from multiple towns.
Fire crews from Sandown, Portsmouth, Rye, Newton, Kingston, and several others participated, including the New Hampshire Forest Service and units from south-central New Hampshire, which involved assistance from communities as distant as New Boston, Milford, and Amherst.
Doty indicated the suspect, described as being in his 30s, would be arraigned on February 4 at 8:15 a.m. at the Brentwood District Court. The charges he faces, classified as Class A misdemeanors, could result in up to one year of incarceration if convicted. He is believed to have accidentally sparked the flames, potentially through the use of either cooking materials or equipment like generators.
During the fire, officials noted it was particularly challenging to conserve resources due to the persistent dry conditions prevalent throughout the Northeast. This dry spell was exacerbated by two months of scant rainfall, warm temperatures, and strong winds, creating ideal circumstances for such fires.
Brentwood's significant emergency response highlighted the cooperative efforts necessary to address the stubborn blaze. Firefighting crews noted the swift efforts made were pivotal due to the high stakes involved, with multiple departments combining personnel and equipment to combat the fire effectively.
With the brush fire now under investigation, local authorities have not disclosed when more information might be available. Meanwhile, fire officials have urged residents to exercise caution to prevent future fires. "Even if you have a burn permit, don’t burn," cautioned Hampton Falls Deputy Fire Chief Bobbie Hudson, emphasizing the imperative for safe practices during dry conditions.
The brush fire incident serves as a reminder of the increased wildfire risk during dry spells, underlining the importance of community awareness and proactive safety measures.