Thread: Wildfires Linked to Illegal Border Crossings

Wildfires Linked to Illegal Border Crossings, Says Study

Published November 22, 2011
Associated Press

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – People crossing the southeastern Arizona desert caused at least 30 wildfires in a five year period, found the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the investigative arm of Congress.

A study by Congress’ investigative arm that shows investigators have linked 30 fires that erupted in a five-year period in Arizona’s border region to people who crossed into the United States illegally — a finding Sen. John McCain says backs up earlier statements he made about undocumented immigrants and wildfires.

SUMMARY
The GAO found that 30 of the probed wildfires were linked to illegal border crossers primarily in southeastern Arizona based on what was written in investigative reports. Fifteen were thought to be a signal for help, provide warmth or cook food.

McCain said earlier this year that fires are sometimes caused by illegal border crossers, but did not specify which fires he was referring to as blazes scorched the southern and eastern parts of the state. The statements quickly drew criticism from activists who jumped on him for “scapegoating.â€

GAO: Illegal immigrants caused nearly half of border fires

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