Officials think youths started Ypsilanti Township grass fire

By John Counts Crime and courts reporter

Posted on Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 6:18 p.m.

Fire officials think a grass fire in the 1200 block of Holmes Road in Ypsilanti Township was set by a group of youths.

The Ypsilanti Township Fire Department was dispatched to a field behind the Oakridge Apartments at 4:27 p.m. Tuesday. Capt. Larry James said about an acre was burning.

"It was running to the east," he said.

Firefighters from Ypsilanti Township and Superior Township had the blaze under control before it could damage any structures, James said.

"It was a set grass fire," he added. "Some youths lit it. We found some charcoal fluid and some cigarette lighters."

James went on to say he didn't think they lit the whole field on fire on purpose, but that people need to be careful given the severe heat and dry conditions.

The Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office is investigating the cause of the fire and questioning suspects.

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