US Firefighter ‍Arrested for Setting Wildfires in California

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Committing a ​Crime on a ‌Day Off

Amid the devastating wildfires⁤ that have⁢ ravaged⁤ California⁣ this year, a firefighter has been arrested for deliberately setting⁢ a wildfire.

The⁢ California State Fire Department announced the arrest ​of Robert ⁤Hernandez, a 38-year-old fire ‍equipment⁤ engineer, on charges of starting fires on mountains and other‌ areas five times over the ​past ​month.

Hernandez ​is accused of setting ⁣fires in⁢ Sonoma County, Northern California, from July 15 to 14. Sonoma ⁢County is⁤ near Napa Valley, famous for ​its wineries.

Hernandez committed the crime on a day‌ he⁣ was not working. The specific motive for the crime is unknown. Fortunately, the fires started⁤ by Hernandez were extinguished before spreading beyond an​ acre (about 4,000 m2), ⁤the ‌fire⁢ department explained.

The fire department said, “The quick action of ​the residents and the firefighters ‌helped minimize the damage caused by the fire.” “We are appalled that ⁤one⁣ of our own would betray the public’s trust and ⁤tarnish the tireless efforts of 12,000 of our colleagues,” Fire Chief Joe Tyler⁤ said.

According to CNN, more than‍ 100 firefighters are arrested for arson each year.

Related ⁤Topics

• Wildfires in California
• Firefighter arrested for arson
• California State Fire Department

Reporter: Choi ⁢Young-chan