Cal Fire worker accused of igniting 5 wildfires taken into custody

A Cal Fire employee, Robert Hernandez, was arrested for starting five separate wildfires in California between Aug. 15 and Sept. 12. He was charged with six felonies, including arson of forest land and arson during a state of emergency. Hernandez was arrested at the Howard Forest Fire Station and is being held on a $2 million bail. Since Sept. 1, Cal Fire has arrested 91 people for arson. The fires Hernandez is suspected of starting burned less than an acre of wildland, thanks to the quick actions of residents and fire suppression resources. The fires included the Alexander Fire, Windsor River Road Fire, Geysers Fire, a different Geyser Fire, and Kinley Fire. Cal Fire thanked the affected communities for their vigilance and information that led to Hernandez’s apprehension. Cal Fire Director Joe Tyler expressed shock that one of their employees would commit arson, tarnishing the work of the organization. Hernandez will appear in court on Sept. 24.

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