HONOLULU -- A former Honolulu firefighter will be sentenced to 10 years in prison for starting three brushfires this summer.

The fires near Makapuu in July burned 8 acres at Alan Davis Park and endangered three park visitors.

Kenton Leong, 42, admitted he was smoking crystal methamphetamine before lighting the brush.

The Honolulu Fire Department terminated Leong four months before the incident. In his plea deal, he agreed to accept the 10-year sentence.

"Because he is not your ordinary arsonist, he is a former firefighter who unfortunately had problems with crystal methamphetamine. He admitted that problem, and because of that background and knowledge we asked for the open term," deputy prosecutor Kevin Takata said.

Leong's cooperation with the investigation and his willingness to seek drug treatment may make him a good candidate for parole, prosecutors said.

Leong also agreed to pay the cost of fighting the fires. That amount will be determined later.

KITV