A Cass Lake youth has been charged with arson for starting the fire that damaged over 70 acres and endangered multiple homes in Pike Bay Township, according to the Cass County attorney. A 17-year-old juvenile of rural Cass Lake has been charged with felony wildfire arson for intentionally setting the 76-acre brush fire.

The fire started Wednesday just after one in the evening southwest of Cass Lake near Highway 371. The fire did not spread overnight and no homes had to be evacuated.

According to police reports, the 17-year-old was discovered 100 yards into the woods near an abandoned railroad bed. The juvenile fled the scene and was apprehended a short time later. During an interview with authorities, the youth admitted to starting the fire because mosquitoes were bothering him.

The juvenile appeared in court on May 30th, and is scheduled to appear again on June 3rd.

By — Lakeland PBS

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