Officials: Volunteer firefighter started Idaho wildfire on purpose
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The Karney fire, which is about 250 acres according to the Associated Press, is threatening up to 100 homes in the Wilderness Ranch area.
Nathanial Bartholomew, 18, has been booked into the Ada County Jail on felony arson charges.
Investigators say Bartholomew is a volunteer firefighter in the Robie Creek area. He also has family who are fighters and apparently wanted to start the fire himself to bring attention to himself. He was spotted fighting the fire when responders arrived.
Officials say a flareup from the Karney Fire ignited early Tuesday morning ---causing additional evacuation orders from Boise County for the Rush Creek Road and the top portion of Evergreen Road areas. Monday's evacuation orders are still in effect along the Robie Creek Road.
One home, which was vacant, has been burned. The fire started around 4:30 p.m. Monday and multiple fire agencies are involved.
The Boise National Forest Service has sent five engines, one bulldozer, and hand crews to the area. There are also helicopters and air tankers responding. (Photos of the Fire >>>)
Fire managers have ordered four more crews. Air tankers and helicopters will be available Tuesday morning to work on the fire, which has been described as challenging. Fire managers are also discussing whether to order a Type 2 incident management team.
The American Red Cross has set up a shelter at Idaho City High School to help with folks affected by the blaze.
Video of the fire from Denise Lemon:
18 and already in deep deep deep doo doo way to start your life kid
I understand that this happens a lot, or more than a normal person would suspect. This guy needs to have his wages for whatever job he has garnished to pay the entire cost of fighting the fire, and make restitution to anyone who lost or looses possessions in this fire, homes included.
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This goes for ANYONE purposely starting a fire, anywhere anytime. I think it should also go for anyone who causes a fire by doing something stupid when out in the wilderness, like smoking or making campfires, when the fire danger is listed as high.
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People need to be held responsible for the damage they do whatever the situation, and start to pay, so taxpayers donât have to foot the bill all the time for stupidity. (or for doing something on purpose that causes damage). I work hard for what I have, as most other people do, and I donât like the idea of someone being irresponsible, and taking it away and not having to pay for the damages.
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Itâs time to start making people take responsibility for what they do, and this includes all politicians and government leaders whatever position they hold: from the city council members to the President of the US.
OK, Iâm done with my sopbox. For now. ;-}Â
@angelgabe I agree the only way we will ever change these kinds of acts is to hold the responsible person accountable for the entire cost of his or her misdeeds, even if it takes the rest of their life. Think before you do something costly and foolish, and unlawful. Like you, I believe it all starts with examples set by our leaders, but we currently have none with any spine for anything true, difficult, honorable, and correct.
 @souptonuts  @angelgabe Sad, but true. We need to stop electing people because they are one political party or the other, or knee jerk reactions to their political jibber-jabber and lies, and start electing them because they are honest and trustworthy....IF there are any political candidates out there who have any morals left. Iâd like to think that maybe there are some out there who still have the character traits that we both have mentioned.Â