Man arrested as crews battle brush fire in Easley
EASLEY, S.C. (WSPA) — A man was arrested for allegedly setting a brush fire Monday afternoon in Easley.
According to the South Carolina Forestry Commission, the fire broke out shortly before noon near Dunklin Street in Easley.
Easley Fire Chief Brad Owen said the fire burned eight acres. About 20 homes were evacuated as firefighters battled the flames for seven hours.
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“This is rough terrain, so it made it very hard to work in those areas in the conditions that we had,” Owen said.
Easley Police officers arrested Seth Brian Bolding Monday afternoon. He was transferred to the Pickens County Detention Center and charged him with third-degree arson.
“Today happens to be his birthday,” Chief Deputy Chuck James said. “What he’s told investigators is that he lit the brush on fire to celebrate his birthday, and he was having a small little bonfire that got away.”
Bolding is expected to appear in bond court Tuesday.
Brush fire burning behind homes on Dunklin Street and Low Avenue in Easley, S.C., April 15, 2024 (WSPA Photo) Brush fire burning behind homes on Dunklin Street and Low Avenue in Easley, S.C., April 15, 2024 (WSPA Photo)
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