California Firefighter Arrested for Intentionally Starting 5 Wildfires While Off Duty [Video]

A California firefighter was arrested Friday morning on suspicion of starting five separate wildfires in the state within the last six weeks.

A Cal Fire apparatus engineer, Robert Hernandez, 38, was arrested by Cal Fire Law Enforcement officers at a fire station in Mendocino County, California, on suspicion of “arson to forest land,” according to a news release from the agency obtained by CNN.

“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,” Director and Fire Chief Joe Tyler said in the release, noting residents’ “vigilance” had helped the agency catch Hernandez.

Hernandez was Off Duty When He Started the Fires Between August 15 and September 14

Hernandez is suspected of starting five separate fires on purpose, while off duty, between August 15 and September 14, the release said. All the fires …