Beckham County, OK – An Arkansas man is facing seven felony arson charges in Beckham County after investigators alleged he intentionally set multiple grass fires north of the intersection of State Highway 6 and State Highway 283 near Sayre.
According to court records, Phillip Lain Janes was charged with seven counts of third-degree arson in Beckham County District Court. Investigators allege the fires were set April 24 on private property. Each count is a Class C1 felony punishable by up to eight years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
The probable cause affidavit states Beckham County deputies were first dispatched to a grass fire near Highway 283 and Oklahoma Highway 6 around 10 a.m. on April 24. The Berlin Volunteer Fire Chief reportedly told deputies he had seen a man carrying shotguns walking southbound near the fire area.
Deputies later located Janes near North 1870 Road and East 1130 Road after receiving reports of a possible sighting. Authorities said Janes requested medical assistance for diabetic issues and was transported to Great Plains Medical Center in Elk City before later being booked into the Beckham County Detention Center on a marijuana possession complaint.
During an interview with investigators, Janes allegedly told agents he was in Oklahoma on vacation turkey hunting with his girlfriend and had previously worked for the State of Arkansas conducting prescribed burns and controlled fires. Investigators said Janes denied setting the fires but admitted seeing them behind him while he was on the property.
The affidavit states investigators later examined the fire scene and identified seven separate fires on the property. Agents reported finding red spray paint residue at multiple burn locations and said they believed spray paint had been used as an accelerant. A can of Krylon Fusion Matte Fire Red spray paint was reportedly discovered hidden in nearby plum thickets.
Investigators later reviewed surveillance footage and transaction records from the Elk City Walmart. According to the affidavit, the same brand and color of spray paint was purchased April 23 by Janes’ girlfriend while Janes was reportedly seen nearby with a shopping cart before the pair left.
Authorities also alleged boot tracks found near the fires matched the tread pattern of boots Janes was wearing when transported to the hospital.
The affidavit states Janes later told investigators he did not want his girlfriend to “get into trouble for this because it was all me” before requesting an attorney.
Court records show bond was set at $50,000.
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