Firefighters battle arson in eastern Oklahoma

<br>(Talihina-AP) -- Oklahoma and federal firefighters have been battling a series of arsons in eastern Oklahoma. <br><br>The Oklahoma Forestry Services says 49 fires were deliberately started during November

Thursday, December 12th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Talihina-AP) -- Oklahoma and federal firefighters have been battling a series of arsons in eastern Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma Forestry Services says 49 fires were deliberately started during November in Le Flore, Latimer, Haskell and Pittsburg counties. Three more fires were intentionally set in the Ouachita National Forest and contained by federal firefighters.

Officials say one theory for the fires is that people think now is the time to burn debris left from the 2000 ice storm.

A person convicted of arson faces up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000. Arson on federal land is a felony.