A 32-year-old transient was arrested on suspicion of arson after a brush fire east of Fulton Road off Highway 12 was contained to about 50 by 70 feet. A fire inspector said he observed the suspect covered in soot and discard a lighter near the vegetation. The arrest — which also included a probation violation — is the sixth linked to recent arson probes in Santa Rosa, where investigators have responded to more than 30 suspicious fires since June 30. Separately, the Woodside Fire near Timber Cove has burned over 150 acres and is roughly 40% contained.
32-Year-Old Transient Arrested In Sonoma County Arson Probe Amid Surge Of Suspicious Fires
An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Forest fire burning fiercely, with flames and smoke consuming the trees and sky, Image 2 shows Firefighters extinguishing a grass fire in Santa Rosa, California
A 32-year-old transient was arrested on suspicion of arson after a small vegetation fire broke out east of Fulton Road off Highway 12 in Sonoma County, the Santa Rosa Police Department said. Authorities allege the blaze was intentionally started in the Wine Country area and that the suspect was taken into custody following the incident.
A homeless man is accused of intentionally sparking a blaze in Northern California's Wine Country.
What Officials Say
A Santa Rosa Fire Department inspector reported seeing the suspect covered in soot and observed him discard a lighter into nearby vegetation, according to NBC Bay Area. Fire crews contained the initial blaze to an area roughly 50 by 70 feet before it could spread further.
The Santa Rosa Police Department said a 32-year-old transient was arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with the fire that spread east of Fulton Road off of Highway 12 in Sonoma County.
The suspect was also arrested on an unrelated probation violation, police said. The department described this as the sixth arson-related arrest in Santa Rosa connected to recent fire investigations.
A Santa Rosa Fire Department inspector said he saw a man covered with soot on his body, tossing a lighter into the vegetation near the area of the fire, NBC News Bay Area reported.
Wider Pattern Under Investigation
In a public notice, the Santa Rosa Police Department said that since June 30 its fire and police investigators have responded to more than 30 vegetation and suspicious fires across the city, with at least 17 believed to have been deliberately set. Investigators continue to pursue leads as they probe a possible pattern of arson-related incidents.
The arrest comes after fire crews in the county recently were able to make forward progress on the Woodside Fire, awildfireburning off Highway 1 at Timber Cove. Cal Fire Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit.
Separate: Woodside Fire Update
The arrest comes as crews in Sonoma County have made measurable progress on the separate Woodside Fire, which is burning off Highway 1 near Timber Cove. That fire was first reported around 1:40 p.m. on Thursday and has burned more than 150 acres, prompting evacuations in affected areas. Cal Fire reported the fire was about 40% contained, with crews focusing on locating hot spots and reinforcing containment lines along Highway 1.
Crews have been able to make progress on it thanks to favorable weather conditions, with the fire currently 40% contained, per CAL Fire. KRON 4 NEWS
Community Alert
Highway 12, also known locally as the Valley of the Moon Highway, runs through extensive vineyards and dozens of wineries. With dry conditions persisting, local authorities urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity: "Your awareness and timely reporting play a critical role in preventing larger fires and keeping Santa Rosa safe."
Note: This investigation is ongoing. Charges remain allegations until proven in court.
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