THE DALLES, Oregon – Wasco County District Attorney Matthew Ellis announced on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 that Christopher Mennealy, 51, had been indicted for crimes involving the setting of the Larch Creek Fire on July 9, 2024.
On September 4th, 2024, a grand jury indicted Mennealy for Arson in the Second Degree and Reckless Burning. The fire began on July 9th, 2024 when Mennealy was squatting on another’s property near Friend, Oregon. Within 10 days, the fire had burned approximately 18,286 acres with suppression costs totaling over $14 million.
Mennealy was supposed to appear in court on September 16th, 2024 but he failed to do so and an arrest warrant was issued. Mennealy is currently at large.
Persons accused of crimes are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.