3 Oregon Wildfires Set By Utah Man: Oregon State Police

ONTARIO, OR — A Salt Lake City man, who was arrested in Eastern Oregon for driving a stolen rental car from Utah, is also accused of starting at least three wildfires on or about Aug. 29 in the La Pine area of Deschutes County, according to Oregon State Police. He is also suspected of starting other fires in the state, though police are still investigating those suspicions.

Christopher Glen Wilson, 37, was lodged at the Malheur County Jail on charges of possession of a stolen vehicle and unauthorized use of a vehicle on Sept. 3. On Sept. 8, a Deschutes County Grand Jury indicted Wilson for reckless endangerment and three counts of arson. His arraignment in Deschutes County is forthcoming.

Police believe Wilson started the fires along Highway 97, between Lava River Cave and mile post 180, south of La Pine in central Oregon. The three fires for which Wilson is accused were kept at less than two acres, police said.

Police appear to question whether a fourth fire — the McKay Fire that burned roughly 1,200 acres, also near La Pine — can be attributed to Wilson, too.

Because Wilson is suspected of starting other fires in the region, police have released photos of the stolen 2016 Hyundai Sonata to see if anyone remembers seeing it in any of the areas where wildfires have started.

Anyone who recognizes the car or has additional information about Wilson is asked to call Oregon State Police at 503-375-5555.

Photo Courtesy: Oregon State Police