As public outrage mounts against a 15-year-old Vancouver boy suspected of throwing a smoke bomb that ignited the
nation's No. 1 wildfire, many Oregonians are calling for stiff consequences.
He could be ordered to pay for the costs of fighting the Eagle Creek fire, to the tune of millions. His parents might have to foot some of the bill for the damage done. He also could face prison.
But those are all speculative. Police have made no arrests.
Still, the teenager and his group of friends already have felt the punishing scorn of an angry populace forced to leave their homes, breathe in smoke and ash and worry about the ravages to treasured trails and landmarks in the Columbia River Gorge.
A woman who said she witnessed the boy throw the smoke bomb into the Eagle Creek Canyon
has described the group of friends giggling and taking a cellphone video of the deed Saturday afternoon.
State police initially said they would release the boy's identity, but changed their minds Thursday and said they wouldn't name him, even in the event of an arrest, because of the outcry and threats that he could face.
By the way, is Gladstone really a place???
