Man Is Charged With Homicide in Blaze Blamed on Illegal Fireworks
A man who allegedly used illegal fireworks that sparked a 3,750-acre brush fire in the San Bernardino National Forest was charged with homicide Tuesday as firefighters fully contained the blaze.
Cary Thomas Meeks, 27, faces charges of second-degree murder and allegations in the fire that killed helicopter pilot Floyd Dean Hiser Sr.
Hiser, 51, died Sunday when his helicopter crashed while dropping water on the blaze.
Investigators expect to have a preliminary finding of what caused the crash in a week to 10 days, federal authorities said.
“This is a case where a loss of life and property resulted from the illegal use of dangerous explosives,” Deputy Dist. Atty. Brian Saunders said.
Crews had the fire contained by 6 p.m., said Karen McKinley, a Forest Service spokeswoman.
Meanwhile, a fire that blackened 5,200 acres in the Angeles National Forest near Azusa was declared fully controlled Tuesday.
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