Arizona firefighter, 18, accused of starting blazes due to boredom
Karson Nutter has been linked to eight fires in Yavapai and Coconino counties
An Arizona firefighter has been arrested for allegedly starting a series of fires in recent weeks.
Eighteen-year-old Karson Nutter is accused of setting eight blazes in Yavapai County and Coconino Count since mid-June. The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement on Sunday that officials investigating the arsons noted that Mr Nutter provided “deceptive and misleading information” when interviewed.
The department said Mr Nutter has since confessed to being directly involved in at least seven of the fires — some of which were wildfires. When asked why he decided to start the blazes, Mr Nutter reportedly told investigators that one of his motives was boredom.
“During his confession, Nutter stated that his motives in setting these fires ranged from boredom, retaliation against a former employer, chasing a thrill, and setting fires to some abandoned homes for being ‘ugly,’” the sheriff’s office said in a press release.
The locations of the fires include a Mobil gas station in the census-designated area of Ash Fork, where Mr Nutter worked as a firefighter.
The Yavapai County cemetery, local police said, was set ablaze twice.
In Coconino County, two abandoned houses burned down, while two wildfires were reported on Forrest Service Road 124.
Mr Nutter is facing three counts of arson, aggravated criminal damage for defacing a burial property, and five counts of false reporting to law enforcement.
He is being held at Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center. His bond was set at $2m.
Mr Nutter is expected to face more charges in Coconino County.