ONTARIO, Oregon — An Oregon man faces multiple counts of second-degree arson in connection with a string of fires in Brogan Canyon, according to the Malheur County Sheriff's Office (MCSO).
Paul Emerson, 61, was arrested on Tuesday night and arraigned the next day on 15 counts of second degree arson. He is currently being held in the Malheur County jail on a $750,000 bail.
The sheriff's office said they recognize the "significant damage" the fires have caused members of the community.
The sheriff's office is still investigating the incident in collaboration with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the Oregon State Police and Fire Marshalls.