A Twentynine Palms man accused of setting an arson fire at Joshua Tree National Park in California that damaged a historical landmark was charged in federal court, according to the Department of Justice.
George William Graham, 26, appeared in court Wednesday after he was suspected of setting a blaze that damaged the Oasis of Mara. The Oasis of Mara was settled by Native Americans who planted 29 palm trees that inspired the name of the nearby city Twentynine Palms.
The fire erupted Monday night, stoked by strong winds, in the area behind the Oasis Visitor Center.
National Park Service rangers took Graham into custody after he was seen observing the blaze. He allegedly admitted to starting the fire to law enforcement officials, authorities said.