A California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection employee, Robert Hernandez, was arrested on suspicion of starting five brush fires in northern California in recent weeks. Hernandez, an apparatus engineer, was accused of arson to forest land after igniting blazes near Geyserville, Healdsburg, and Windsor. The fires were quickly contained thanks to the efforts of residents and firefighters.
Cal Fire Director and Fire Chief, Joe Tyler, expressed disappointment in Hernandez’s actions, stating that they tarnish the work of the 12,000 Cal Fire employees. Hernandez’s arrest follows similar incidents involving arson suspects in California. Justin Wayne Halstenberg was charged with arson-related crimes for attempting to start fires, one of which became the massive Line fire in the San Bernardino mountains.
In another incident, a man was arrested for allegedly starting the Park fire by pushing a burning car into a gully. Ronnie Dean Stout was charged with felony arson and pleaded not guilty. These cases highlight the dangers of arson in California, where dry conditions and high winds can quickly escalate wildfires. Cal Fire did not provide further details on Hernandez’s case, and it remains to be seen how the legal proceedings will unfold for these suspected arsonists.
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