By Associated Press - Thursday, March 30, 2017

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) - Authorities say a Flagstaff man on federal probation for previous arson incidents is in custody for allegedly starting a wildfire in a wooded area near a hospital.

Flagstaff police say 50-year-old Shawn Farnham is jailed on suspicion of the burning of wildlands.

He reportedly was seen leaving Flagstaff Medical Center and crossing the street before entering a wooded area Wednesday afternoon.



Farnham then returned to the hospital and police responded to reports of a fire in the wooded area.

Police say Farnham told them he may have inadvertently started a fire by disposing of a cigarette.

They say Farnham was on supervised release for previous arsons.

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