On Saturday, May 25, 2024, a significant fire erupted along the Colorado River near Zoo Island, prompting a swift response from multiple local and federal agencies. At approximately 1:59 PM, Yuma County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the scene, where they found an active fire burning several acres of wildland within the Imperial National Wildlife Refuge.
The fire response was a coordinated effort involving several agencies, including Lake Martinez Fire, Yuma Proving Ground Fire, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Rural Metro, and the Bureau of Land Management. Fire crews worked diligently to extinguish the blaze, which threatened the delicate ecosystem of the wildlife refuge.
Initial investigations revealed that the fire was intentionally set. Deputies identified Jason Bradley Martin, a 47-year-old resident of Yuma, Arizona, as the suspect responsible for the arson. Martin was promptly arrested and booked into the Yuma County Detention Center. He faces multiple charges, including:
- Reckless Burning
- Arson of Structure/Property
- Criminal Damage
- Burn Wildlands Violated Order
- Endangerment
- Ongoing Investigation
This case remains under active investigation by the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities are working to gather more details and urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office is seeking assistance from the public. If you have any information regarding this case, you are encouraged to contact the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office at 928-783-4427. For those wishing to remain anonymous, tips can be submitted to 78-CRIME. Additionally, anonymous tips can be submitted online through the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office website at www.yumacountysheriff.org.
The quick apprehension of the suspect and the multi-agency effort to combat the fire highlights the dedication and coordination of local and federal agencies in protecting the community and natural resources. As the investigation continues, the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to ensuring justice and preventing future incidents of arson.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of community vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement to safeguard our environment and public safety.