Mesa Christmas Tree Being Replaced As Man Charged With Arson

The City of Mesa announced Wednesday afternoon that they will replace the city's Christmas Tree, which was completely burned in an intentionally set fire earlier in the day. The announcement was followed by news from the police that they had made an arrest in the case.

Samuel Johnson, 34, was found nearby and admitted using a book of matches to start the fire, police say. The tree was described as a "total loss" by the city.

"While this news is devastating, it certainly won't diminish Mesa's holiday spirit," Mayor John Giles said. "The city is working on activating the site for this weekend including a live tree that will be transplanted to a city park later this month."

The tree had been purchased in 2015 for the $40,000 with funds raised by the Mesa Chamber of Commerce and other businesses.

The chamber will spearhead fundraising for the new tree.

"We are saddened by this turn of events." the president and chief executive officer of the chamber, Sally Harrison, said.

"Our members that stepped up to sponsor the tree are disappointed but we are excited to take on the challenge to reach out to our community and East Valley friends to raise funds to purchase a new tree as soon as possible."

Antone, who police say did not say why he set the fire, is charged with criminal damage and arson.

In the meantime, the city's Merry Main Street celebration including pictures with Santa, the Christmas market, and Winter Wonderland Ice Rink, will continue.

Photo courtesy City of Mesa.