A CAL FIRE engineer’s shocking arrest has sent ripples through Sonoma County and beyond.
At a Glance
- Robert Hernandez, a California firefighter, was arrested for suspicion of arson to forest land.
- Hernandez faces six felony counts for allegedly starting five separate fires in Sonoma County’s wine country.
- The fires burned less than an acre of non-cultivated land due to swift reaction from locals and fire units.
- Hernandez was booked in Sonoma County Jail with a $2 million bail and is slated to appear in court on Tuesday.
- CAL FIRE expressed disappointment over the severe breach of public trust the incident represents.
Shocking Betrayal of Public Trust
Robert Hernandez, a 38-year-old CAL FIRE engineer, has been apprehended for allegedly setting five fires in Sonoma County while off duty. Arrested at a fire station in Mendocino County, Hernandez now faces grave charges, including six felonies related to arson. The Sonoma County Jail currently holds him under a $2 million bond as he awaits his court appearance.
The alleged arson incidents occurred between August 15 and September 14, 2024. Thanks to rapid responses from local residents and fire suppression units, the fires were contained to less than an acre, preventing potential disasters. The locations of the fires were within forest land near Geyserville, Healdsburg, and Windsor, north of Santa Rosa.
Cal Fire says Hernandez is a Fire Apparatus Engineer who is suspected of igniting five fires while he was off duty.https://t.co/IhrMJO8eCB
— FOX26 News (@KMPHFOX26) September 23, 2024
CAL FIRE’s Response and Public Reaction
CAL FIRE Director Joe Tyler condemned the incident, stating, “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.” The agency emphasizes that such egregious behavior is rare among its ranks but severely undermines public trust.
This event has also struck a chord with the community, as expressed by Division Chief Cyndi Foreman: “It’s a tough pill to swallow for all of us. That someone that’s supposed to be out in the community protecting us. But they’re actually putting us all at risk.” Hernandez’s estranged wife has also expressed disbelief over the allegations, adding another layer of emotional complexity to this distressing case.
The Larger Context of California Wildfires
The arrest occurs against the backdrop of California’s severe wildfire season, which has consumed nearly a million acres and forced extensive evacuations across the state. Just last year, wildfires and other natural disasters caused over $1 billion in damages, making 2023 the worst year for such events in U.S. history. Further complicating the landscape is the fact that CAL FIRE has already arrested 91 suspected arsonists this year, pushing the cumulative count to 923 since 2016.
It is worth noting the courage and prompt action by firefighters and community members in Sonoma County, ensuring that Hernandez’s alleged destructive acts resulted in minimal damage. However, these arson incidents serve as a grim reminder of our collective need for vigilance and the essential role of trust and integrity among those tasked with safeguarding our communities.
