Rapides man accused of setting wildfires in Grant

Michael Shawn Setliff, 32, of Flatwoods, is charged with three counts of simple arson for fires in Grand Parish, according to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF).

LDAF investigators allege Setliff set multiple fires on Sept. 13 off La. 500 and on W.W. Melton Road. The Melton Road fire "had the potential to become a devastating fire sue to dry conditions and its threatening proximity to multiple homes," LDAF said in a press release. It said local firefighters and LDAF wildfire containment crews acted quickly enough to keep the blazes from having a greater impact.

Setliff was booked into the Rapides Parish Jail on Sept. 15 and bond was set at $75,000.

Anyone convicted of simple arson faces a find of up to $15,000 and up to 15 years in prison if the damage is $500 or greater. If damages are less than $500, a conviction would mean a sentence of up to $2,500 and up to five years imprisonment or both, according to LDAF.

All persons accused of crimes are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The public is urged to report any and all forestry-related crimes to the LDAF 24-hour hotline at 1-855-452-5323.