A California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection employee, Robert Hernandez, was arrested on suspicion of starting five brush fires in northern California. Hernandez, a 38-year-old apparatus engineer with the agency, ignited the blazes between August and September in forest land near Geyserville, Healdsburg, and Windsor. Despite his efforts, the fires burned less than an acre due to prompt action from residents and firefighters.
Cal Fire director Joe Tyler condemned Hernandez’s actions, stating that they violated the public’s trust and tarnished the hard work of the agency’s employees. Hernandez was arrested at the Howard forest fire station in Healdsburg and is facing charges of arson to forest land. His arrest comes after a delivery driver was charged with starting the Line fire in September, which forced evacuations, injured a firefighter, and destroyed a home. Another individual was arrested in July for starting the Park fire in northern California by pushing a burning car into a gully.
Authorities expressed concern over the rise in deliberate fire-starting incidents, with multiple individuals being charged with arson-related crimes. As wildfires continue to plague California, these incidents highlight the importance of vigilance and swift action to prevent further destruction. The accused individuals will face legal consequences for their actions, as law enforcement works to protect the public and safeguard against the threat of wildfires in the region.
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