The juvenile accused of starting September’s Eagle Creek Fire entered into a plea agreement in court Friday, admitting to twelve misdemeanor counts before Hood River County Circuit Judge John Olson. The 15-year-old, whose name has not been released due to ongoing concerns for the safety of the juvenile and his family, admitted to eight counts of reckless burning, two counts of throwing away lighted materials, one count of criminal mischief, and one count of reckless endangerment. Olson affirmed the plea deal reached between Hood River County District Attorney John Sewell and lead defense attorney Jack Morris, placing the teenager on probation for up to five years and ordering him to perform 1,920 hours of community service, much of it to be done in coordination with the U.S. Forest Service. Financial restitution will be addressed at a May 17 hearing. The juvenile read a statement in court, saying he thought about his terrible decision every day, apologizes with all his heart, and that he will work hard to rebuild the community he damaged and hopefully earn forgiveness. Morris noted the teenager had never been in trouble before, and comes from a tight and supportive family. Morris said the juvenile was in the area with friends and had two fireworks designed to explode in the air. The young man set off one that he threw in the air where it exploded, but the second had a longer fuse, hit the ground and ignited, starting the fire. Sewell said there was no evidence to support felony charges, adding all involved had been cooperative in the investigation. A number of victims ranging from individuals to representatives of governmental agencies testified to the physical, financial, and emotional damage the reckless act caused.