Arsonist Who Started Mapleton Wildfire Sentenced To 10 Years In Prison

Elias Pendergrass, a 44-year-old man who was arrested on arson allegation in a wildfire that burned nearly 400 acres near Mapleton has been sentenced to 10 years in prison. Mapleton is about 46 miles west of Eugene. Dozens of households were under evacuation orders due to the blaze.

Pendergrass was sentenced after pleading guilty on Wednesday, according to KEZI news, and is expected to also complete three years of post-prison supervision upon his release. The district attorney's office also says the Mapleton arsonist will be required to pay restitution. At this time, the amount has not been determined.

The Sweet Creek Fire which he was responsible for, was one among many fires at the time in late August. The fire had grown to 382 acres before it was ultimately lined.