Unseasonably dry spring weather has a variety of agencies warning about outdoor fires, and the Independence Township Fire Department last week responded to two which were apparently deliberately set.
One, which appeared to be the result of children playing with matches, occurred on April 16 in the yard of a Meadows Drive residence and spread into a portion of Independence Oaks County Park.
Witnesses noticed three boys attempting to put out the fire, and at least one reported that a 16-year-old boy (who was babysitting boys age 5 and 7) said he would never throw matches again.
The youth was turned over to his father, who did not want his son to make a statement to deputies, reports said. The case is being turned over to the school liaison officer and Clarkston Area Youth Assistance.
Another ‘arson? was reported on April 16 on Phelan Drive. A man discovered a pile of leaves and grass on fire in his driveway, and believed the fire to be deliberately set. The resident was able to extinguish that fire with a garden hose, reports said.
No injuries were reported in either incident.