Police Say Arson at Root of E. Idaho Fires

Authorities in eastern Idaho say a series of wildfires in recent years, including the largest so far this year, may be the work of arsonists.

Power County Sheriff Jim Jeffries says he is now looking for help from the public to help solve some of these cases.

Investigators in Power County, Fort Hall and the Bureau of Land Management have determined that at least 28 of the fires battled in recent years may have been intentionally set.

That includes the most recent one, the Niebaur Fire, which started last week and has burned about 12-square miles before crews brought it under control Monday.

The cost of fighting those fires is estimated at $12 million.

Jeffries says its unclear if the fires were ignited by one person or a group.

Source: Idaho State Journal.