Two Corvallis Teens Charged with Starting Chip Ross Park Wildfire
The two juveniles, 15-year-old Dawson DeWolfe and 16-year-old year old Christopher Farris, were in the area of Chip Ross Park, north of NW 29th St.
(CORVALLIS, Ore. ) — Two Corvallis juveniles have been charged for their role in starting a fire in the Chip Ross Park area of Corvallis.
The two juveniles, 15-year-old Dawson DeWolfe and 16-year-old year old Christopher Farris, were in the area of Chip Ross Park, north of NW 29th St. to smoke marijuana. Both teens walked into the park, smoked marijuana, and began to walk back.
As the pair walked out of the park, Farris dared DeWolfe to light some dry grass on fire with a lighter. DeWolfe lit the grass with a lighter and it immediately ignited. The juveniles made an attempt to put out the flames, but were unsuccessful.
Investigators discovered Christopher Farris was the source of a 9-1-1 call regarding the fire, and he and DeWolfe were eventually brought in to be interviewed by their parents.
During the interviews each told police what they had done.
The fire resulted in 86 acres burned, several fences and decks damaged, and one residence on NW Morning Glory St. was also damaged.
The estimated cost for the fire suppression effort by the Corvallis Fire Department was more than $50,000. This does not include costs for Corvallis Police Department and the multitude of other area fire agencies who also responded to the fire.
Each juvenile was charged in Benton County Juvenile Court.
Dawson DeWolfe was charged with one count of Reckless Burning, one count of Reckless Endangering, and one count of Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree.
Christopher Farris was charged with one count of Tampering with Physical Evidence.
After being charged, both were released to their parents.
Video from the scene of the fire by Salem News Journal photographer Jerry Freeman:
