New Hampshire state police say a Stoddard firefighter has been charged with arson in connection with a brush fire in that town that burned 190 acres and prompted the voluntary evacuation of 17 homes.
Authorities say 31-year-old David Plante of Stoddard is in custody, charged with one count of arson. They say additional charges are expected.
The fire was reported Thursday afternoon in Stoddard, about 40 miles west of the state capital of Concord. Firefighters say flames reached 12-feet high. No injuries have been reported. Officials said Friday the fire has been contained but hot spots remain.
Police would not comment on what evidence led them to charge Plante, a member of the town's 17-member volunteer fire department.
It was not immediately known if he has a lawyer.
