Cal Fire employee arrested on suspicion of starting 5 Northern Calif. wildfires [Video]

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection employee was arrested Friday on suspicion he started five brush fires in Northern California in recent weeks, officials said.

Robert Hernandez, 38, was arrested at the Howard Forest Fire Station in Healdsburg, California, on suspicion of arson to forest land, the state agency said in a statement.

Hernandez is an apparatus engineer with the agency, which entails operating and maintaining fire engines and water tanks during emergency responses.

Neither Cal Fire nor the union representing Cal Fire employees would say Friday whether they know if he has retained an attorney.

Cal Fire said Hernandez ignited the blazes while off duty between Aug. 14 and Sept. 15 in forest land near Geyserville, Healdsburg and Windsor.

The blazes combined burned less than an acre thanks to the quick action of residents and firefighters, the agency said.

“I am appalled to …