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Man faces California fire charges | Man faces California fire charges |
(4 days later) | |
US authorities say they will charge a 36-year-old man with murder in connection with a California forest fire which killed five firefighters. | US authorities say they will charge a 36-year-old man with murder in connection with a California forest fire which killed five firefighters. |
Raymond Oyler was arrested on Tuesday in connection with two other fires started in June, but police say he was also involved in the 26 October blaze. | Raymond Oyler was arrested on Tuesday in connection with two other fires started in June, but police say he was also involved in the 26 October blaze. |
Four firefighters were killed last Thursday when the flames changed direction as they battled a house fire. | Four firefighters were killed last Thursday when the flames changed direction as they battled a house fire. |
A fifth man died in hospital on Tuesday after suffering 90% burns. | A fifth man died in hospital on Tuesday after suffering 90% burns. |
The deaths led the authorities to offer a $500,000 reward for information about the fire. | The deaths led the authorities to offer a $500,000 reward for information about the fire. |
'Sober review' | 'Sober review' |
Mr Oyler could face the death penalty or life imprisonment if convicted. | Mr Oyler could face the death penalty or life imprisonment if convicted. |
Helicopters, air tankers and a DC10 aircraft tackled the blaze | Helicopters, air tankers and a DC10 aircraft tackled the blaze |
Riverside County District Attorney Rod Pacheco said he would not rush to draw conclusions in the case. | Riverside County District Attorney Rod Pacheco said he would not rush to draw conclusions in the case. |
"In the next 60 days, our office will make its determination whether or not to seek the death penalty against the suspect and soon-to-be defendant, but only after a careful and sober review of the evidence, the defendant's background and the particular nature and circumstances of this case," he said. | "In the next 60 days, our office will make its determination whether or not to seek the death penalty against the suspect and soon-to-be defendant, but only after a careful and sober review of the evidence, the defendant's background and the particular nature and circumstances of this case," he said. |
Police said they had recommended that Mr Oyler be charged with five counts of murder, 11 of arson and 10 of use of an incendiary device. | Police said they had recommended that Mr Oyler be charged with five counts of murder, 11 of arson and 10 of use of an incendiary device. |
The fire destroyed 34 homes and devastated more than 60 sq miles (153 sq km) before it was contained on Monday. | The fire destroyed 34 homes and devastated more than 60 sq miles (153 sq km) before it was contained on Monday. |