Los Coyotes Tribal Member Arrested; Charged with Arson in 14,000-Acre Fire Started on Reservation

The North County Times has reported an arson investigation into the July 2011 fire that burned more than 14,000 acres on the Los Coyotes Reservation in northeast San Diego County has resulted in two arrests.  At least one of those arrested, 23 year old Jeremy Ortiz, is a member of the Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla Indians.  Another suspect, Jesse Durbin, also 23, was already in custody on vehicle theft charges.  Both are being held on $2 million bail.

The fire, which was started on July 21 took more than a week to put out.  More than 2,000 personnel worked to put out the blaze at a cost to taxpayers of $15 million.

Neighbors living in Warm Springs near the reservation had expressed concerns about wildfires starting on the reservation based on decisions at the tribe’s sole discretion.

The North County Times notes:

The tribe has plans to build a casino in Barstow, near Interstate 15 in San Bernardino, halfway between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. However, the project faces several hurdles before it can be built, including approval from the federal government and negotiations with the state for a gambling agreement.

North County Times
8.04.2011
LOS COYOTES RESERVATION: Two suspects arrested in Eagle fire
By Edward Sifuentes, esifuentes@nctimes.com



See also:

• Turmoil within Los Coyotes Tribe Comes to Light Following Eagle Fire; Concerns that Somehow Detroit-Based Barwest was Involved