A member of California’s firefighter department has been accused of violating his own duties and starting several fires over the last couple of weeks.
CAL FIRE law enforcement officers arrested Robert Hernandez, 38, a CAL FIRE fire apparatus engineer, at Howard Forest Fire Station Friday, and accused him of setting five fires while off duty.
In this screen grab from Google Maps Street View, the Howard Forest Fire Station is shown in Willits, Calif., in Mendocino County.
Google Maps Street View
The blazes burned through a combined area of under an acre, according to CAL FIRE.
“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 in a statement.
Rodriguez is being investigated in connection with the Alexander Fire on Aug. 15, the Windsor River Road Fire on Sept. 8, the Geysers Fire on Sept. 12, and the Geyser and Kinley fires on Sept. 14, CAL FIRE said.
In this Nov. 9, 2018, file photo, a Cal Fire firefighter pulls a hose towards a burning home as the Camp Fire moves through the area in Magalia, Calif.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images, FILE
Attorney information for Hernandez wasn’t immediately available. He was scheduled to be booked into Sonoma County Jail on charges of arson to forest land, investigators said.
A Cal Fire employee was recently arrested for their alleged involvement in an off-duty arson incident, sending shockwaves through the firefighting community and raising questions about the integrity of those tasked with protecting our communities.
The employee, whose name has not been released to the public, was arrested after authorities linked them to a series of suspicious fires that had been set in a rural area outside of town. The fires caused extensive damage to several properties and put nearby residents at risk.
This incident has left many people wondering how someone who is supposed to be a protector of the community could engage in such reckless and dangerous behavior. It also raises concerns about the screening and monitoring processes in place for Cal Fire employees, as well as the potential for similar incidents to occur in the future.
In response to the arrest, Cal Fire released a statement condemning the employee’s actions and emphasizing that they do not condone or tolerate any form of criminal behavior. The agency also stated that they are cooperating fully with law enforcement in their investigation and will take appropriate disciplinary action once all the facts are known.
This incident serves as a reminder that even those in positions of authority and trust are not immune to making poor choices. It also highlights the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of their profession or status within the community.
As the investigation into this case continues, it is crucial that Cal Fire takes steps to ensure that all employees are held to the highest standards of conduct and integrity. This includes implementing stronger background checks, providing ongoing training on ethical behavior, and creating a culture of accountability within the organization.
Ultimately, the arrest of this Cal Fire employee for off-duty arson involvement serves as a wake-up call for all firefighting agencies to prioritize ethics and integrity in their hiring and training practices. The safety and well-being of our communities depend on it.
