Firefighter Started 5 Wildfires While Off Duty, Officials Say

A California firefighter was arrested on Friday for setting five fires since mid-August.

Robert Hernandez, 38, a fire apparatus engineer with Cal Fire, allegedly committed the arsons while off duty. Officials said they believe he set five fires in Sonoma County between August 15 and September 14, the Desert Sun reported.

In total, the five fires burned less than an acre of wildland. Cal Fire said residents and fire suppression teams prevented the fires from spreading.

According to KABC, Cal Fire Law Enforcement officers arrested Hernandez at a fire station in Mendocino County.

“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,” Cal Fire Director and Fire Chief Joe Tyler said.

Hernandez is charged with arson to forest land. He remains jailed on a $2 million bond.

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