Long Island Firefighter Arrested for Alleged Arson Amid Northeast Wildfires

Jonathan Quiles, a volunteer firefighter, is accused of setting a brush fire in Medford as the region faces severe drought conditions.

Jonathan Quiles, a 20-year-old volunteer firefighter from Medford, New York, was arrested for allegedly starting a brush fire that damaged a nearby vehicle.
The incident occurred during a period of extreme dry weather, prompting a statewide burn ban in New York and a drought warning in New Jersey.
Quiles faces multiple charges, including arson and reckless endangerment, and has been suspended from the Medford Fire Department pending the outcome of the case.
The ongoing wildfires in the Northeast have resulted in fatalities and extensive damage, exacerbated by climate change-induced dry conditions.
Authorities emphasize the importance of adhering to burn bans and fire safety measures as numerous fires continue to threaten the region.