New York firefighter charged with arson for allegedly setting Long Island brush fire

A New York volunteer firefighter on Tuesday was arrested and charged with arson for allegedly setting a fire intentionally on Long Island.

The arrest comes after a string of brush fires were reported in the New York and New Jersey areas. Approximately six fires were reported on Tuesday in the Medford area of Long Island, per NBC News. One fire last week was set in Brooklyn's Prospect Park.

Jonathan Quiles of the Medford Fire Department was accused of intentionally setting at least one of the fires in a wooded area. A vehicle nearby was damaged by the brush fire. No injuries have been reported in any of the half-dozen fires so far.

"Jonathan is a peaceful, good-natured and polite young man who has, in the past, successfully worked through a number of personal challenges," Quiles' attorney Anthony LaPinta said in a statement. 

Quiles' has been charged with fourth-degree arson, fifth-degree arson, and second-degree reckless endangerment, police said. He pleaded not guilty in court on Wednesday. 

The Medford Fire Department said the 20-year-old has been suspended pending an investigation, and will be terminated if found guilty of setting the fire. The department also said he had passed an "arson background check."

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.