Paul Leblanc, 13, was taken into custody after allegedly starting two of the four fires Lehigh Acres fire crews responded to on Sunday.
The fires sparked along 11th Street East near Joel Boulevard, according to the Lehigh Acres Fire Rescue post. Leblanc was arrested after telling firefighters that he started the fires.
The lots those fires were intentionally set with matches on were overgrown, dry, grassy lots, of which there are over 80,000 in Lehigh Acres. During the dry season, they are at an increased risk of fire danger.
“This is something that could endanger or make homeless several other people in the neighborhood,” said Katie Heck, from the Lehigh Acres Fire District.
Neighbors who heard about the 13-year-old boy who is facing an arson charge are surprised he was starting fires.
“That’s what I heard. Those things happen. They shouldn’t happen but they do,” said Gene Price, who lives nearby.
At 13, he’s facing a single charge of arson, although firefighters said he set two different fires using matches.
“It’s really important to have a conversation with your kids, about what’s safe to do outside, what’s not safe. Keep those flammable things away like lighters and matches, just not something a child should have in their hands,” Heck added.
Now with a burn ban in effect, high winds, and low humidity, now is the time to avoid a fire at all costs.
“It’s an overwhelming statistic, just how many brush fires in our area are caused by something a human does, and not natural.”
Heck also mentioned that the fire danger is so bad that people should even avoid things like grilling food outdoors, as all it takes is a single spark for someone to lose everything.