Beckham County, OK — Authorities are investigating three fires reported Friday morning that are believed to have been intentionally set, according to Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning.
Sheriff Manning said a deputy was initially responding to the scene when firefighters noticed a man walking nearby carrying shotguns and dressed in camouflage. At first, there was a delay in recognizing the fires as suspicious, but once it became clear they were intentionally set, a coordinated search effort began.
Multiple agencies assisted in the search, including the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and local game wardens. Drones were also deployed to help locate the suspect.
Authorities eventually spotted the individual about a mile from the fire locations. He was identified and taken into custody on unrelated charges. Officials say the investigation is ongoing to determine his involvement in the fires.
Sheriff Manning confirmed that all three fires were intentionally set in a canyon area and were not accidental campfires. Favorable conditions helped prevent the fires from spreading further.
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