Firefighter Spots Arson Suspect at Scene as Blaze Burns Two Acres in Jackson County Forest

JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. — Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies arrested a 51-year-old Prospect transient, Allen Lee Bicknell, for intentionally starting a fire Wednesday, June 18, in the Red Blanket Road area east of Prospect. 

A Jackson County Grand Jury indicted Bicknell on all charges yesterday.

Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Southwest Oregon District firefighters responded to a fire on Wednesday at 1:57 PM at Red Blanket Road east of Prospect.

During an aggressive initial attack, an ODF firefighter reported seeing someone in the area of the fire acting suspiciously, but he fled on foot.

Firefighters stopped the original fire at an estimated two acres and reported Bicknell to JCSO. JCSO deputies responded as part of the investigation while also assisting in the firefighting efforts.

JCSO deputies found Bicknell Thursday, June 19, in the 44000 block of Highway 62 in Prospect and arrested him after he had briefly barricaded himself inside the house at 12:32 PM. He was charged with first-degree arson and reckless burning.

A Jackson County Grand Jury indicted Bicknell on all charges on Tuesday. The case remains open and is ongoing, with JCSO deputies and ODF investigating. Bicknell is lodged in the Jackson County Jail.