crime

Man arrested after starting forest fire in Saitama

8 Comments

Police in Tokigawa, Saitama Prefecture, have arrested a 60-year-old unemployed man on suspicion of arson after he set fire to trees in a nearby forest.

Police said Hatsuo Shimada intentionally started a fire near his home around 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sankei Shimbun reported. The suspect ignited the blaze with dead leaves and the fire burned approximately 1,000 square meters of land. A police officer was patrolling the area when the fire started.

Police said Shimada has admitted to the charge. He told police he used his lighter to start the fire. He was quoted as saying he had been full of anger recently.

Since last month, there have been multiple forest fires in the vicinity, prompting police to launch patrols. Shimada is being questioned about his involvement in those fires.

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8 Comments
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With age comes wisdom. I see there are exceptions to this.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

A modification perhaps: With age and **paying attention to the details, comes wisdom**. And, looking at this world, 'wisdom' seems to be the "exception" you speak of...

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Arson should carry the same weight as mass murder since you might end up indiscriminately killing a lot of people and their properties. He should've went to the nearest batting center or went for a hike instead.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Why was he angry at the trees? Hahahahahahahaaaaa

4 ( +4 / -0 )

A police officer was patrolling the area when the fire started.

I imagined the officer was like "Do de do de do de do! Huh! Hey!"

Also, if he was angry, there are so many other ways to vent your anger! Talk to someone about your anger issue. Write it down! Go for a walk! Go jogging, cycling or even a swim! No need to endanger the wildlife and nature!

2 ( +2 / -0 )

He must have not heard or seen Smokey the Bear's PSAs.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

He was quoted as saying he had been full of anger recently.

He should've started with burning himself. People will definitely miss the trees. I doubt anyone will miss him

2 ( +2 / -0 )

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