A shocking arrest has rocked California’s fire protection agency, Cal Fire. Robert Hernandez, a 38-year-old apparatus engineer, faces five counts of arson for allegedly starting forest fires in northern California.
Hernandez’s arrest on Friday stunned the community, particularly his colleagues. Cal Fire Chief Joe Tyler expressed outrage, saying, “I am appalled that one of our employees would violate the public’s trust and tarnish the tireless work of Cal Fire’s 12,000 personnel.”
The investigation revealed Hernandez allegedly ignited five fires between August 15 and September 14 while off-duty, in areas near Geyserville, Healdsburg, and Windsor. Quick response from firefighters and residents limited the damage to less than an acre of wildland.
Hernandez’s role as an apparatus engineer involved operating and maintaining fire engines and water tanks during emergencies. His actions, if proven, will undermine the agency’s efforts to protect California from devastating wildfires.
This summer, California has faced severe wildfires, with nearly three times more acreage burned compared to all of 2023. In a separate incident, Justin Wayne Halstenberg, a 34-year-old delivery driver, pleaded not guilty to 11 arson-related crimes, including starting the Line Fire, which ravaged 61 square miles of the San Bernardino mountains.
The California Fire Agency Worker Charged with Arson highlights the challenges faced by the state’s fire protection agencies.
As Hernandez prepares to appear in court on Tuesday, the community demands answers. These charges raise concerns about internal vulnerabilities within the agency.
The California Fire Agency Worker Charged with Arson underscores the need for vigilance and accountability within the state’s fire protection services.
