Siskiyou County Man Arrested for Illegal Burn That Sparked Wildfire

MONTAGUE, CA — A 53-year-old man has been arrested on multiple charges after an illegal burn sparked a vegetation fire near Montague on Tuesday evening, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

CAL FIRE Law Enforcement Officers responded to the blaze around 6:00 p.m. on June 24 near Montana Lane in Montague, located in Siskiyou County. Following an investigation, officers determined the fire was caused by unlawful burning of material that was surrounded by dry vegetation.

The suspect was arrested and transported to Siskiyou County Jail, where he was booked on five charges including multiple felonies. The charges include violations of California Penal Code sections 452(b) and 452(c) — both felonies — as well as 452(d), a misdemeanor. Additional charges were filed under Public Resource Code 4421 and Health and Safety Code 13001, both misdemeanors.

The incident highlights ongoing concerns about fire safety during California’s dry season. CAL FIRE officials emphasized that wildland fires pose significant threats to lives, property, and the state’s natural resources.

“CAL FIRE Law Enforcement Officers work diligently to investigate all fires and apprehend those suspected of unlawfully causing fires,” the department stated in a press release. “CAL FIRE urges the public to be vigilant in their preparedness and aware of suspicious activity.”

The department encourages residents to stay informed about wildfire preparedness by visiting www.ReadyForWildfire.org or www.fire.ca.gov.

The investigation was conducted by CAL FIRE’s Siskiyou Unit. No information was immediately available about the extent of the fire or any property damage.