Larch Creek Fire suspect at large after missing court date

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — A squatter, who was indicted for starting the Larch Creek Fire, is now at large after failing to appear in court, authorities said.

According to the Wasco County District Attorney, Christopher Mennealy, 51, was squatting at a property near Friend, Oregon where the fire began.

Over 10 days, the fire grew to 18,286 acres and the cost to suppress the blaze was over $14 million, officials said.

Mennealy was scheduled to be arraigned on Monday, but authorities said that he failed to appear in court and there is now a warrant out for his arrest.

He faces charges including second-degree arson and reckless burning.

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