Forest Ranger Assaulted Responding To Wildfire; Property Owner Arrested
Nov 27, 2006 03:54 PM EST
Forest Ranger Assaulted Responding To Wildfire; Property Owner Arrested
A forest ranger technician for the Kentucky Division of Forestry was assaulted Sunday while responding to a wildfire in Cumberland County, according to a release from the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet.
According to the release, Ranger Ken Brown was dispatched to a fire on Sulphur Creek Road near Burkesville. When he attempted to put the fire out, the property owner, Todd Anderson, refused to let Brown control the fire. Anderson ordered Brown off the property, then struck him with a metal pipe. Anderson also broke a window and damaged a door on Brown's KDF truck.
Brown left the property and called for law enforcement assistance. Cumberland County sheriff's officers arrested Anderson on charges of third-degree assault, a felony, and interfering with a forest warden. In addition, the KDF issued a citation against Anderson for failing to take reasonable care and precaution to prevent the escape or spread of a fire.
"We are very concerned about the safety of our firefighters. This is just another example of how dangerous this job is," KDF Director Leah MacSwords said.
Brown was treated at a local hospital and released.
Nov 27, 2006 03:54 PM EST
Forest Ranger Assaulted Responding To Wildfire; Property Owner Arrested
A forest ranger technician for the Kentucky Division of Forestry was assaulted Sunday while responding to a wildfire in Cumberland County, according to a release from the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet.
According to the release, Ranger Ken Brown was dispatched to a fire on Sulphur Creek Road near Burkesville. When he attempted to put the fire out, the property owner, Todd Anderson, refused to let Brown control the fire. Anderson ordered Brown off the property, then struck him with a metal pipe. Anderson also broke a window and damaged a door on Brown's KDF truck.
Brown left the property and called for law enforcement assistance. Cumberland County sheriff's officers arrested Anderson on charges of third-degree assault, a felony, and interfering with a forest warden. In addition, the KDF issued a citation against Anderson for failing to take reasonable care and precaution to prevent the escape or spread of a fire.
"We are very concerned about the safety of our firefighters. This is just another example of how dangerous this job is," KDF Director Leah MacSwords said.
Brown was treated at a local hospital and released.
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