RINDGE — A brush fire that spread over a quarter of an acre at Annett State Park on Nov. 18 was caused by a discarded cigarette, leading to the arrest of one individual and charges pending for another, authorities said.
Rindge Police Department, along with Rindge Fire and multiple neighboring fire departments, responded to the scene after two individuals were reported joyriding early in the morning when their truck slid over an embankment and became stuck on large rocks about a mile and a half into the park off an old cart road.
The fire quickly ignited due to recent, dangerously high fire hazard conditions after one of the individuals, later identified as Alexander Barden, 24, of Hudson, NH, discarded a lit cigarette into the wooded area.
Upon their failure to extinguish the fire, the duo called for emergency services.
After the fire was contained and extinguished, Gauthier’s Towing Services removed the vehicle.
Barden was arrested and charged with Operating a Vehicle while being a Habitual Offender and Littering.
Additional charges may be filed following the conclusion of the investigation.
Elijah Fogg, 23, of Jaffrey, NH, is under investigation and is likely to face charges of Arson and Littering, with the possibility of additional charges pending.
The Department of Forest and Lands and the New Hampshire Fire Marshall’s Office are assisting with the ongoing investigation.
