Man arrested on arson allegation in wildfire west of Eugene, deputies say - oregonlive.com

The Sweet Creek Milepost 2 fire is seen in an undated photo. Sweet Creek Milepost 2 fire InciWeb page

A 44-year-old man was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of arson in a wildfire that has burned nearly 400 acres and prompted evacuations west of Eugene, deputies say.

Elias Newton Pendergrass is accused of first-degree arson in the Sweet Creek Milepost 2 fire, which covers 382 acres near the community of Mapleton. Pendergrass, a Mapleton resident, is being held in the Lane County Jail.

The county sheriff’s office didn’t provide details about the arson allegation in a news release Tuesday afternoon.

Officials have previously said several fires started Sunday afternoon and that they were managing the blazes as a single fire.

Some area residents are still under evacuation, while others have been told to be ready or set to leave.

The blaze is estimated to be 15% contained, fire officials said early Wednesday.

-- Jim Ryan; jryan@oregonian.com; 503-221-8005; @Jimryan015

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