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On July 4, 2021 at approximately 4:15 PM, Deputies with the Benton County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to assist Alsea Fire Department with a fire reportedly caused by fireworks on Highway 34 near Milepost 31. The fire was quickly contained by Alsea Fire Department and Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) fire crews. At about 6:30 PM, Benton County Sheriff’s Deputies were notified a witness reported seeing a blue sedan occupied by two males. The witness saw a firework thrown from the vehicle causing a fire. At about 8:45 PM, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office located the vehicle described by the witness on Highway 34 near Milepost 4. The Lincoln County Deputy was able to see illegal fireworks in the vehicle while conducting his traffic stop.
The driver, Tyler WEEKS and his passenger Tristan FORREST both admitted to lighting off illegal fireworks. The witness account was able to clearly describe FORREST and claimed to have seen a firework get thrown from the vehicle while both males laughed and drove away.
According to ODF fire crewmembers, the approximate amount of land burned was 0.64 acres. Which included both the east and west side of the highway.
WEEKS and FORREST were charged with ARSON 2, RECKLESS BURNING, POSSESSION OF ILLEGAL FIREWORKS, CRIMINAL MISCHIEF 1, and DISORDERLY CONDUCT 1 for the damage caused by a firework creating a fire. WEEKS and FORREST were transported to the Benton County Jail where they were booked on the above-mentioned crimes.