Citizens Tie Suspected Arsonist To Tree In Effort to Prevent Devastating Disaster

Three Oregon residents tied a suspected arsonist to a tree on Monday, after he’d previously started multiple wildfires earlier in the day, 25 miles northwest of Grants Pass, Oregon.

The fires were first reported by an agent of the Bureau of Land Management who told local authorities, “a white male adult was seen walking along the gravel road that leads towards Mariel Lodge and Rogue River Ranch, starting fires.” This, according to a statement from Sheriff John Ward.

State and federal authorities quickly descended upon the local area to put out the wildfires started by the suspect, and to catch him as well — utilizing three helicopters to quickly get the flames under control.

The aforementioned three local residents, saw the suspect walking along the road near the inferno and attempted to detain him until law enforcement arrived.

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“It was reported that the suspect became very combative with the three residents and had to be tied to a tree to subdue him,” the statement explained, adding that an ambulance was requested on the scene due to injuries sustained by the suspect.

He was later identified as Trennon Smith, 30, who, after being treated at the local Three Rivers Hospital, was transported to the Curry County Jail and charged with two counts of arson in the first degree, and one count of reckless burning.

The statement concluded by thanking the various agencies that assisted in getting the fires under control, stating that “The cooperation and partnership between all agencies when something like this occurs is remarkable.”

“The quick actions on getting the fires out most certainly averted a catastrophe and saved lives. The total area burnt is less than one acre,” the statement added. “If the fires had not been contained and if they got out of control, they could have blocked all the residents and visitors from having an escape route.”

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