Craig County Authorities Team Up With Cattle Ranchers To Stop Arsonists

By Craig Day, The News On 6

VINITA, OK -- The Craig County Sheriff's Office and the Texas & Southwest Cattle Raisers Association are forming a task force to investigate a rash of arsons in the northeast Oklahoma county.

Since the first of March, firefighters in Craig County have responded to 18 fires, many are considered suspicious. 

"The fact that it has happened over and over again, and the large amount of property loss is really troubling," said Special Ranger John Cummings.

Authorities say at one ranch, two barns and everything inside were destroyed.

Damage in that case alone is estimated at $90,000.

Besides the barns; a house, a bulldozer, hay bales and pasture have also been set on fire.

"This kind of crime is pretty hard to understand. There's no monetary gain in it for the people who are involved," Cummings said.

Anyone with information should call the Texas & Southwest Cattle Raisers Association tip line at 888-830-2333 or the Craig County Sheriff's Office at 918-256-6466.