Angora Fire starters keeping mum

Unedited version of what appeared in August 07 Tahoe Mountain News:

By Kathryn Reed

U.S. Forest Service officials are not disclosing what they found in the remnants of the illegal campfire that ignited the Angora Fire. This is so they will be able use the evidence against the culprits.
As of press time, the agency had no suspects.
The campfire was no bigger than 2 square feet, according to Beth Brady, fire prevention officer with the local Forest Service office. Other illegal campfires were discovered during the investigation in the area that is popular with local residents.
A group of kids seen running from the Seneca Pond area where the 3,100-acre inferno started turned out to be youths just checking out the fire and then running when it was coming toward them.
Of the nearly 100 tips to the Cal Fire hotline, none has led to a specific person or group of people who started the fire that caused $153 million in property damage and cost $20 million to fight and cleanup.
Brady said it’s possible as neighbors return they will compare information that may in turn be vital to the investigation. Although finding who is responsible is bit like locating a needle in a hay stack, she said her office intends to follow tips as long as they trickle in.
“There is no way for us to know for sure that is started Saturday (June 23), but we are leaning toward the fire starting Saturday night,” Brady said.
As for what might happen to someone if they are convicted of starting the fire, Brady said it depends on intent – whether it was simply negligence. If the person is a juvenile, the punishment is less than an adult and their name would never be disclosed. Plus, she said repercussions are likely to be less if the person comes forward now instead of the Forest Service finding them.
The tip line is 800-468-4408.