Authorities arrest Kelseyville man for causing Oak fire
- Elizabeth Larson
- Posted On
KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Cal Fire confirmed on Monday that it has arrested a local man for causing a weekend fire near Kelseyville that led to the evacuation of hundreds of residents and a highway closure.
Jody Buck Hickey, 39, of Kelseyville was arrested for equipment use that started the Oak fire on Saturday afternoon, Cal Fire reported.
Cal Fire said Hickey, a lifelong resident of Lake County, was welding and grinding in dry grass.
Hickey was charged by Cal Fire law enforcement officers with Penal Code 452(c), which states that a person is guilty of unlawfully causing a fire when he recklessly sets fire to or burns or causes to be burned any structure, forest land or property.
The Oak fire began at about 2 p.m. Saturday in the area of Live Oak Drive and Highway 29 in Kelseyville, a Lake County News has reported.
The fire burned 53 acres and one outbuilding, and threatened many other structures. Cal Fire said approximately 300 people were evacuated.
A large force of ground and air resources mobilized to stop the fire before it could move closer into Kelseyville.
During the fire fight, the heavy winds caused one spot to jump over Highway 29, and the close proximity to the highway resulted in about an eight-hour closure that was lifted shortly after 10 p.m. Saturday.
The Oak fire was fully contained at 53 acres on Sunday morning.
Hickey, whose occupation on his booking sheet is listed as “laborer,” was taken into custody at about 2 p.m. Saturday, at the time the fire started.
He has several previous arrests and prosecutions in Lake County stretching back more than a decade, including for vandalism, trespassing or obstructing a business, traffic infractions, drugs and drug paraphernalia possession, and assault and battery, according to sheriff’s and court records.
Hickey remains in the Lake County Jail, with bail set at $15,000.
He is scheduled to be arraigned on Tuesday in Lake County Superior Court.
Cal Fire reminds area residents to use caution while using outdoor equipment or tools. Clear any dry vegetation or flammable items from your work area, have a water source nearby and stop work by 10 a.m.
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