MEDFORD, N.Y. (1010 WINS) — A Medford Fire Department volunteer firefighter was arrested on Tuesday after he was caught on video intentionally setting a brush fire that took over two days to put out amid a period of drought conditions and extreme fire hazard in the Northeast.
Jonathan Quiles, 20, intentionally set a fire in a wooded area on Mount Vernon Avenue at about 3:35 p.m. on Tuesday, police said, which damaged a 2004 Chevrolet that was parked nearby.
The blaze burned through part of Twelve Pines Park that day, and firefighters responded again Wednesday to put out hot spots, one of multiple brush fires that needed to be managed in Suffolk County.
“You put the public at risk, you put our members at risk,” a lieutenant with the Medford Fire Department said Wednesday. “The night time makes it more difficult. Members are put at a greater risk, especially with the wind conditions we've had.”
Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico said that Quiles, of Medford, was caught on surveillance video committing the crime.
“It could have caused significant damage to the Town of Brookhaven park and also a potential loss of life,” he said.
No one was injured in the fire, but nearby homes were threatened and over 40 firefighters fought the blaze over two days, officials said.
Following the investigation by Arson Section detectives with the Suffolk County Police Department, Quiles was charged with fourth- and fifth-degree arson and second-degree reckless endangerment.
He was arraigned Wednesday in Central Islip where he pleaded not guilty, according to court records. Quiles was released with non-monetary conditions, which include a temporary order of protection that was issued against him,
“Those who would seem to want to copycat know that the Town of Brookhaven, on town property and open space, will look to prosecute,” Panico said.
Quiles is expected to return to court on Nov. 18.