Suspect accused of intentionally starting 3 fires near SR-87

GILA COUNTY, Ariz. — The Gila County Sheriff's Office arrested a suspect accused of intentionally starting several fires near State Route 87 between Pine and Strawberry.

On May 30 at approximately 4:30 p.m., a witness contacted law enforcement after seeing a subject leaving the area where three fires had broken out. Sheriff's deputies and the United States Forest Service responded to the fires and located an individual matching the description given by the witness.

Kenneth Yocum, 53, was taken into custody and booked on possible charges of criminal damage and wildland burning, the sheriff's office said.

The Pine-Strawberry Fire District said it was able to contain the fires, each of which covered about a third of an acre.

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The Arizona Fire & Medical Authority has released tips on how to prevent fires from starting in your home.

“More than 4,000 Americans die in fires each year and approximately 25,000 are injured,” the authority said on its website. “An overwhelming number of fires occur in homes. »

First, the authority says every home must have at least one working smoke detector. Each level of the house and each sleeping area should be equipped with a working smoke detector to provide the best protection.

Devices should also be used in the manner recommended by the manufacturers, as overheating, short circuits and sparking can all cause a fire.

Finally, families should have an escape plan for each room in the house.

“Warn everyone to stay low to the ground when escaping a fire and to never open hot doors,” authorities said. “Choose a place where everyone can meet up after escaping the house. Get out and call for help.

The authority offers free home safety inspections. Schedule one with them by calling 623-544-5400.