Firefighter Arrested for Arson in California

Robert Hernandez, a 38-year-old firefighter with Cal Fire, was arrested on suspicion of arson for allegedly starting five small wildfires in California's wine country between August 15 and September 14. These fires, which collectively burned less than an acre, were ignited while Hernandez was off duty, and were quickly extinguished by vigilant residents and fire suppression teams. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) expressed shock at the betrayal of trust by one of their own, with Director Joe Tyler emphasizing the impact on the agency's reputation. Hernandez is being held in Sonoma County Jail on $2 million bail, facing five counts of arson to forest land. This incident raises concerns in a region already plagued by devastating wildfires, including the notorious 2017 Tubbs Fire. Cal Fire has arrested over 900 arsonists since 2016, highlighting ongoing issues with firefighter-related arson cases.