A man who was arrested near the scene of a massive fire near Idyllwild that's already burned at least 11,500 acres, has been charged with intentionally starting nine fires in the area.

The Riverside County District Attorney's office announced Friday they have charged Brandon N. McGlover, 32, with 15 felony counts related to nine separate fires. Among the charges are; one count of aggravated arson, five counts of arson of an inhabited structure and nine counts of arson of forest or wildland.

McGlover is scheduled to be arraigned around 1:30 p.m. officials said. If convicted of all 15 counts, he could face a potential life sentence. He is currently being held on $1 million bail.

Cal Fire says the Cranston Fire started around noon on Wednesday as the result of arson. McGlover was arrested and booked on suspicion of lighting several fires around Riverside county after he was discovered near the ignition site.

The Riverside County D.A.'s office says the nine fires were set in the Idyllwild, Anza, and Sage areas.

Photo: Riverside County Sheriff's Department