Firefighter Arrested for Starting 5 California Wildfires

A firefighter has been arrested for allegedly setting several fires in California.Photo byPhoto by: Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images

With several fire crews fighting fires every summer in California, the danger to life and property is very real. To think that one of their own is the cause of it is unthinkable.

Robert Hernandez, 38, was arrested by Cal Fire Law Enforcement officers at the Mendocino County fire station on suspicion of arson, particularly “arson to forest land." He works at the Howard Forrest Fire Station in Mendicino County. The first apparatus engineer has been placed into custody for allegedly starting five separate fires. Those fires in question were started in Sonoma County between August 15 and September 14. The Alexander, Windsor River Road, Geysers, Geyser and Kinley fires were all allegedly started by Hernandez. He remains in Sonoma County Jail.

Arsonists have become a huge problem for those fighting fires. According to a report by CNN, so far this year, 91 suspected arsonists have been arrested. From 2016 to now, 923 suspected arsonists have been arrested for allegedly starting fires in California.

Cal Fire has given a comprehensive update on all of the California fires.