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Teen arrested in connection with Rolling Hills fire

Written by on July 24, 2021

ROSEBURG, Ore. – Three juveniles have been identified by Detectives as being present at the origination point of the Rolling Hills Fire which broke out Friday evening and have made one arrest at this time.

On Friday, July 23, 2021, at approximately 4:35 pm, 9-1-1 dispatchers received multiple reports of a fast moving grass fire in the 900-block of Rolling Hills Road. Multiple agencies responded to the blaze.

Investigators began working to determine the cause of the fire. Three teens were identified as having been in the area immediately prior to the fire starting. They were contacted by detectives and interviewed about the incident.

The teens were determined to have been walking in the area while one of them, a 13 year-old Roseburg teen, was playing with a lighter. The teen had pulled a clump of dead and dry grass from the ground and lit it. It became too hot causing the teen to drop it to the ground, igniting the approximate 20 acre fire that destroyed two homes, multiple outbuildings and four vehicles. The teens attempted to extinguish the fire and stop its spread, but were unable to do so. At least one of the juveniles went to a nearby residence and alerted the homeowner who called 9-1-1.

The teens and their guardians are cooperating with law enforcement. The investigation is ongoing. The 13 year-old, which started the fire was arrested for Reckless Burning.

Detectives are requesting homeowners in the area to review any security camera footage which may assist them in the investigation.

“Detectives are particularly interested in any footage which may show the teens walking to or from the field as well as any footage which may have captured the start of the fire,” Sgt. Brad O’Dell said.

Homeowners who have footage they feel would aid in the investigation may upload it directly to the following web address:

https://douglassheriffor.evidence.com/axon/citizen/public/rollinghillsfire


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