Dorchester man charged with setting fire

A Dorchester man was arrested by Milford police and charged with starting a brush fire that damaged city property Saturday, officials said. firefighters continued to extinguish the fires across Massachusetts, amid an ongoing drought.

Devonte Johnson, 28, is accused of burning land, trees, wood or products; burning other people’s land; lighting a fire in the open air; disorderly conduct; and disturbing the peace, Milford police said in a statement. It was unclear Saturday whether Johnson had hired an attorney to represent him.

At 8:48 a.m., authorities in Milford received 911 calls reporting the fire in a wooded area at 296 West St. and a man, later identified as Johnson, reportedly running from the scene, the statement said.

Responding officers quickly located Johnson, who reportedly led them on a brief foot chase before being apprehended, police said.

Johnson is being held at the Worcester County Jail & House of Correction on $1,500 bail pending his arraignment. Police have not released details about the planned arraignment.