Man accused of setting brush fire in Milford, Massachusetts to face charges

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A man accused of setting a brush fire in Milford, Massachusetts, is scheduled to face arson charges Monday.

Devonte Johnson, 28, of Dorchester, was arrested Saturday morning after a brush fire that damaged town land on West Street.

A man later identified as Johnson was arrested after he fled from the scene following a short pursuit, police said.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation said dry conditions in Massachusetts are conducive to fires starting and spreading quickly.

"We want folks to understand that every day that we go without rain and these extra dry conditions, above average temperatures that we are going to see this week, we increase the risk of an easy spark starting a wild land fire," DCR Fire Warden Chief David Celino said.

Officials said 106 wildfires have burned more than 600 acres during the last week.

All 42 fire watch towers are staffed to keep a close eye on fires and get resources to where they are needed.