(Medford, NY) – A volunteer firefighter is facing some heat after police say that he intentionally started a brush fire on Long Island. Suffolk county has been under a red flag warning for over a month following a record dry spell in the tri-state area. The blaze in Medford was reportedly started by 20-year-old Jonathan Quiles, who threw burning cotton balls into a field and under a car.
Quiles was suspended and pleaded not guilty to arson charges. His lawyer claims that mental health issues also played a role in the incident. If convicted, he may have to foot the bill for how much it cost to put out the fire.
