SONOMA COUNTY, Calif. — A Cal Fire engineer was arrested Friday on suspicion of starting multiple wildfires in Sonoma County.
Robert Hernandez is accused of setting fires on forest land in the area in recent months. According to Cal Fire, the 38-year-old from Healdsburg is accused of the Alexander Fire on August 15, 2024, the Windsor River Road Fire on September 8, 2024, the Geysers Fire on September 12, 2024, and the Geyser and Kinley fires on September 14, 2024.
“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”, Director/Fire Chief Joe Tyler said.
The five fires burned less than an acre of wildland combined because people acted quickly to put out the fires.
Hernandez will be booked into the Sonoma County Jail on arson charges. Cal Fire said its enforcement officers have arrested 91 arson suspects as of September 1.
Cal Fire said people should be aware of suspicious people when a fire starts and they should report that activity to law enforcement. Information such as the time, physical description, vehicle description and license plate number would be helpful.
People can also call the Cal Fire Arson Hotline at 1-800-468-4408. They can be anonymous.
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