As reported by the Guardian, the BBC and other news outlets, a California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection employee has been arrested on suspicion of igniting multiple brush fires in northern California.
Robert Hernandez, 38, was taken into custody on Friday at the Howard Forest Fire Station in Healdsburg.
He is suspected of arson to forest land, according to statements from the state agency.
Hernandez, who works as an apparatus engineer, is responsible for operating and maintaining fire engines and water tanks during emergency situations.
The agency stated that the fires, believed to have been set while Hernandez was off duty, occurred between August 14 and September 15 in areas near Geyserville, Healdsburg, and Windsor.
The total area affected was less than one acre, primarily due to prompt responses from residents and firefighters.
Cal Fire’s Director Joe Tyler expressed his dismay at the situation, stating: “I am appalled to learn one of our employees would violate the public’s trust and attempt to tarnish the tireless work of the 12,000 women and men of Cal Fire.”
In light of the incident, neither Cal Fire nor the union representing its employees confirmed whether Hernandez has legal representation.
Ari Hirschfield, a spokesperson for Cal Fire, noted that the agency would not be providing additional details about the case at this time.
This incident has raised concerns regarding trust within the agency, especially following other recent wildfire-related arrests.
This arrest follows another high-profile case involving a delivery driver charged with starting the Line fire, which occurred on September 5.
Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, pleaded not guilty to 11 arson-related offenses in connection with that fire, which forced the evacuation of thousands near Los Angeles, injured a firefighter, and resulted in property damage.
Halstenberg allegedly attempted to ignite three separate fires within an hour.
While two were extinguished promptly, the third fire escalated into the Line fire, which has burned approximately 61 square miles in the San Bernardino mountains and is currently 53% contained.
In July, another man was arrested for allegedly starting the Park fire in northern California.
Ronnie Dean Stout is accused of pushing a burning vehicle into a gully, which resulted in felony arson charges.
He has also pleaded not guilty.
These incidents highlight ongoing challenges in managing fire-related crimes in the region, emphasizing the need for vigilance among fire agencies and the public.
A California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection employee, Robert Hernandez, was arrested on suspicion of igniting five brush fires in northern California between August 14 and September 15.
The fires occurred in areas near Geyserville, Healdsburg, and Windsor, and burned less than one acre.
Cal Fire Director Joe Tyler expressed disappointment over the breach of public trust.
This incident comes amid other arson-related cases in California, including the Line fire, which forced evacuations east of Los Angeles.
