OKANOGAN, Wash. - A contract firefighter from Nespelem has been charged with arson in connection with fires on the Colville Indian Reservation last September.

The Wenatchee World reports 34-year-old Elam Sonny Ray Baker is scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday. He was charged Wednesday in Okanogan County Superior Court with one count of first-degree arson and nine counts of second-degree arson.

Nine fires were set Sept. 16, 2009 on the reservation. Another fire was set Sept. 26 near Nespelem.

A probable cause statement says investigators matched Baker's DNA to evidence found on two ignition devices made from cigarettes and matches.

Prosecutor Karl Sloan says Baker was employed as a private contract firefighter at various times. It was unclear whether Baker fought any of the fires he is accused of setting.
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Information from: The Wenatchee World, http://www.wenatcheeworld.com

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