On Friday, a California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) employee, Robert Hernandez, was arrested on charges of arson in connection with a series of brush fires in northern California.
Hernandez, 38, who works as an apparatus engineer for Cal Fire, was taken into custody at the Howard Forest Fire Station in Healdsburg.
Hernandez is accused of starting five brush fires between August 14 and September 15 in areas near Geyserville, Healdsburg, and Windsor.
The combined fires burned less than an acre, largely due to the swift response of residents and firefighters.
Hernandez, who is responsible for operating and maintaining fire engines and water tanks during emergencies, is facing charges related to arson on forest land.
Justin Wayne Halstenberg pleads not guilty to charges related to the devastating Line Fire.Cal Fire Director and Fire Chief Joe Tyler expressed deep concern over the incident, 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.”
As of now, neither Cal Fire nor the union representing its employees have disclosed whether Hernandez has secured legal representation.
In a separate case, Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, has pleaded not guilty to charges related to the Line Fire, which erupted on September 5. This fire, which necessitated the evacuation of thousands and resulted in injury and property damage, has burned 61 square miles in the San Bernardino Mountains and is currently 53% contained.
Earlier in July, Ronnie Dean Stout was arrested on suspicion of starting the Park Fire by pushing a burning car into a gully. Stout, who faces felony arson charges, has also pleaded not guilty.