Man Allegedly Posing As Firefighter Arrested Near Wildfire

BIG BEAR LAKE (AP) — Authorities have arrested a man they say was driving a stolen car full of firefighting gear near a Southern California wildfire.

David Battle of San Bernardino was arrested Saturday near the 49-square-mile blaze in the San Bernardino National Forest. The fire is 60 percent contained Tuesday.

San Bernardino County Sheriff John McMahon says the 44-year-old Battle was arrested after he went to a command post in Big Bear Lake and said he was looking for his fire crew.

The sheriff says Battle wore an authorized firefighter's uniform but couldn't prove he was a firefighter.

Authorities say they found other gear and a stolen gun in the car.

Battle was arrested on suspicion of car theft and gun charges. He remains jailed and it's unclear whether he has an attorney.

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