DCNR

The reward offered for information regarding an investigation of arson has now tripled.

Earlier this spring, 8,700 acres of woods along the Monroe-Pike county line were ravaged by what investigators suspect to be two different, man-made fires.

“Circumstances in both fires led us to an early conclusion that they were the result of arson,” Michael Kern, chief of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resource’s Division of Forest Fire Protection said.

“Intentionally setting a wildfire is arson and we take that very seriously. We are asking anyone who may have information to come forward.”

Both fires, known as the 16 Mile and Beartown fires respectively, were found April 20 and ravaged the area for over a week. Over $2 million was spent fighting the fires.

Thanks to a private landowner affected by the incident, the reward has now been raised from $10,000 to $15,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those who started the fires.

According to Kern, the landowner has doubled his original offer from $5,000 to $10,000.

“Coupled with DCNR’s standing reward offer of $5,000, we’re hoping this increased anonymous donation will spur some new leads in our investigation,” Kern said.

Special Investigator Terry Smith will handle possible information leading to the reward. Information can be given to Smith at 717-362-1472; or terrsmith@pa.gov. Anonymous tips will be accepted but not eligible for the reward.