Cal Fire and United States Forest Service law enforcement officers, in conjunction with the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office and the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, have arrested a Pollock Pines man on suspicion of arson in connection with the King Fire.
Wayne Allen Huntsman, 37, of Pollock Pines was booked into the El Dorado County Jail for arson on Wednesday, Cal Fire reported.
The King Fire began late last Saturday afternoon. It has destroyed nearly 71,000 acres and forced the evacuation of 3,000 people. Nearly 3,700 firefighters are on the front lines battling the blaze, Cal Fire said.
Cal Fire said the fire is burning in steep terrain in the south fork of the American River Canyon and Silver Creek Canyon, north of the community of Pollock Pines.
The fire nearly tripled in size on Wednesday as it made a run to the northeast of over 10 miles up the Rubicon Canyon towards Hell Hole Reservoir. Spot fires were observed up to three miles ahead of the fire front and have moved into Placer County, according to Cal Fire.
The severity of the fire prompted Gov. Jerry Brown on Wednesday to declare a state of emergency in El Dorado County. Brown also has secured federal funding to help with the cost of fighting the fire, which has exceeded $10 million dollars to date.
Cal Fire said federal, state and local law enforcement officers work diligently in arson cases to aggressively investigate and prosecute those suspected of intentionally starting fires.
As fire danger remains extreme across California, arson is a major threat to both life, property and natural resources. Cal Fire urges state residents to be vigilant in their preparedness and aware of suspicious persons when a fire does start.
If you witness someone suspicious make note of the time, his or her physical description, as well as any vehicle description, including the license plate number. Always contact law enforcement, never approach a suspicious person.
Anyone with information about arson is urged to contact the Cal Fire Arson Hotline at 1-800-468-4408. Callers can remain anonymous.
STATE: King Fire arson suspect arrested
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