Update 3/8/24:
A man was arrested on suspicion of starting a small structure fire in downtown Joshua Tree on Monday morning. Scott McCune was arrested on Monday morning (March 4) during an investigation into a structure fire.
The small structure fire started just before 6 a.m. near the intersection of Commercial St and Sunset Rd, a block north of Twentynine Palms Highway, and next to the Joshua Tree Brewery.
Details provided by the Sheriff’s Morongo Basin Station say that McCune admitted to using a blow torch for warmth in an abandoned house. Deputies say McCune put the blow torch down during an argument with a girlfriend, catching his pant leg on fire before the blaze spread to a mattress and then throughout the house.
Yesterday (March 6) in San Bernardino County’s Joshua Tree Court, McCune entered a “not guilty” plea on felony charges related to starting the fire. He is facing additional enhancements for being a convicted violent felon.
Previously reported:
A small fire in downtown Joshua Tree yesterday morning (March 4) led to one arrest.
The small structure fire started just before 6 a.m. near the intersection of Commercial St and Sunset Rd, a block north of Twentynine Palms Highway, and next to the Joshua Tree Brewery.
Officials with San Bernardino County Fire said that the fire started in a small residential structure occupied by two transients. The structure was empty at the time of the fire.
Three engines, one squad, and one Battalion chief responded to the fire, and it was extinguished within 60 minutes. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.
County Fire officials said that the fire is currently being investigated as suspicious, and one person was detained and taken into custody at the scene.
Z1077 has reached out to fire officials and local law enforcement for additional details, and we’ll update this story as we learn more.
