SUSPECTED 29 PALMS OASIS ARSONIST IN CUSTODY, CHARRED TREES CUT DOWN

The fire that ravaged the historic Oasis of Mara in Twentynine Palms Monday night is being investigated as an arson. George William Graham, 26, of Twentynine Palms, was arrested late Monday night for investigation of arson by federal authorities and is being held at the West Valley Detention Center on $25,000 bail for the arson and without bail for a parole violation. Graham was previously convicted of arson in 2015.

The National Park Service said it is conducting a site damage assessment of the burned area to determine the extent of the loss. A preliminary assessment includes damage to palm trees and other vegetation, as well as potential harm to wildlife and archaeological resources. No structures were damaged in the blaze. As part of the mop-up efforts, the Park Services was cutting down the burned palm trees, saying that they may be on fire internally and burst into flame. Without cutting them down, the Park Service said someone would have at the scene watching the trees for days. Park Superintendent David Smith said the investigation into the arson is ongoing. Sheriff’s deputies assisted with locating George Graham, who is an arson registrant, at the scene.