Dangerous fire investigated in Benton

Benton, Pa. — An investigation into a Benton fire led to charges being filed against a local man who admitted to setting it intentionally, police said.

Eric Michael Kocher, 44, told his neighbors “I’m sending it your way” while standing in front of the fire with a rake at the end of April, Corporal Zachary Martini said. The neighbors called 911 after driving towards the fire on a four-wheeler and seeing that it had spread onto their property, Martini said. The Benton Fire Department and DCNR extinguished the blaze.

Investigators spoke with Kocher’s wife after the fire was extinguished, according to the complaint. She claimed one of the neighbor's threatened to shoot her, Kocher, and their dog after approaching on a four-wheeler.

The neighbors said Kocher approached them, saying, “Hey neighbor, I got a fire” moments before the blaze got out of control, investigators said. Kocher allegedly told his wife, “Let that alone, I need it to work” when the neighbors came to check on the blaze. The neighbor claimed Kocher’s wife told them he has mental issues.

Investigators determined the origin of the fire to be a pile 100-feet behind Kocher’s home, according to the complaint. Kocher admitted to starting the fire to clear brush when confronted with the evidence, Martini said.

Kocher is being charged with risking catastrophe, dangerous burning, failure to control a dangerous burn, disorderly conduct, and set fire to forest. He is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing with Judge Doug Brewer on Aug. 20. No bail is listed for Kocher.

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