2 teens arrested for arson in connection with quick-moving brush fire in Lacey



LACEY, Wash. -- Two teens were arrested for investigation of second-degree arson in connection with a quick-moving brush fire that erupted near the 8600 block of Martin Way on Thursday, Lacey police said.

The teens are believed to have intentionally set the fire, police said, adding that they are also being investigated for another possible arson in the county.

Witnesses working nearby said they first heard fireworks and then saw smoke.

Crews pushed through the dense brush and heavy timber, putting out hotspots on the one-acre fire. The fire’s path was obvious, leaving charred trees, grass and smoldering debris.

Jamie Hardman works nearby.

“My boss runs through and is telling people to move their cars due to a fire,” she said.

She ran outside to see a tower of smoke rising behind her building, and she believes she knows how the fire started.

“Everybody came outside and saw a bunch of trees on fire and heard some fireworks going off and saw a bunch of kids running out of the woods laughing,” she said.



About 50 firefighters were mopping up as most of the fire was contained by early evening.

The incident is exactly what firefighters across Washington state have feared -- people lighting off fireworks in the hot, dry weather.

“Huge concerns for the next couple of days,” said Lacey Deputy Fire Chief Gary Pearson. “It would be great if nobody fired off any fireworks. It’s very dangerous out there and it’s not going to get any better in the next couple of days.”

Firefighters will be on scene for several hours making sure the fire doesn't reignite.