Arson fires make a hot day worse

PORT JERVIS, N.Y. — A young arsonist was responsible for what became a large brush fire on the steep, wooded terrain of Port Jervis’ Elks Brox Park Wednesday afternoon, Port Jervis police reported. Firefighters from Matamoras, Westfall, Dingmans and Shohola joined six other New York and New Jersey mutual aid companies assisting Port Jervis in fighting the smoky fire in 100-degree weather. The Port Jervis Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Mobile Life Medical and the Port Jervis Police assisted at the scene. Police did not report any injuries. Emergency equipment was at the scene until approximately 6:15 p.m. Detectives charged a 14-year-old Port Jervis youth with Arson in the Fifth degree, and Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree, both class A misdemeanors. Cops charged the brush fire was intentionally set on a wooded hillside section of property in the city park in at about 1:15 p.m. The youth was released to the custody of his parents pending a future appearance in Orange County Family Court. Police said two similar brush fires were intentionally set at Elks Brox Park on July 5. They remain under investigation and anyone with information about them may call Port Jervis Police at 845-856-5101. All calls will be kept confidential.