Ontario man arrested on 15 counts of Arson in connection to Brogan Canyon fires
By Garrett Christensen on Wednesday, July 22nd, 2026 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
MALHEUR COUNTY — (Press release from the Malheur County Sheriff’s Office) Paul C. Emerson, 61, of Ontario, Oregon, was arrested on July 21, 2026, in connection with a series of fires reported in Brogan Canyon and along Huntington Road earlier that day.
Emmerson was taken into custody at his residence on the night of July 21. On July 22, 2026, he was arraigned on 15 counts of second-degree arson. He was subsequently remanded to the Malheur County Jail, where he is currently being held on a $750,000 bail.
The Malheur County Sheriff’s Office recognizes the significant damage these fires have caused our
community and appreciates the public’s support and patience throughout this process.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. Further details will be released as appropriate.
This investigation has been a collaborative effort with the Bureau of Land Management, Oregon State Police, Oregon State Fire Marshalls, and the Malheur County Sheriff’s Office.
