UPDATED 12:02 P.M. Monday

A 14-year-old Saugus boy admitted to accidentally causing the Haskell Fire which broke out at 1:45 p.m. yesterday.

The teen admitted to setting the wildfire that burned 40 acres and threatened almost 50 homes. He told authorities he was smoking marijuana from a pipe when he dropped a barbeque lighter, causing the dry brush to catch fire.

The boy was booked and released into his parent’s custody. Arson and Explosives detectives are investigating the case and will be submitting it to the District Attorney for consideration. If the boy goes to court, the judge could hold his parents liable, and attempt to recover some of the first responders cost.

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Two men were also taken into custody and cited for obstructing firefighting efforts. The sheriff’s department reported that they were taking pictures of the fire and prevented water drops on the burning hillside.

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Reporter Carol Rock contributed to this story. Helicopter photos by KHTS deejay Brandon Gibson; fire photos by Joe Messina.