Clearlake Oaks woman arrested in connection to fire that destroyed structures
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Authorities have arrested a Clearlake Oaks woman who they said is responsible for a Sunday evening fire that destroyed numerous structures.
Tori Elizabeth Brannon, 49, was taken into custody on Monday morning, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
Lt. Richard Ward said that at approximately 5:52 p.m. Sunday, deputies from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist the members of the Northshore Fire Protection District with evacuations related to a structure fire in the 60th block of Hoover Street in Clearlake Oaks.
Deputies remained in the area while fire personnel extinguished the fires, Ward said.
Five structures and six outbuildings were damaged or destroyed as a result of the fire, he said.
On Monday at approximately 9:54 a.m., Ward said deputies were dispatched to the 60th block of Hoover Street for a report of a woman walking up and down the street shouting at neighbors in regards to the fire that occurred the previous night.
Deputies contacted a neighbor in the area that reported their neighbor, Tori Brannon, was shouting she did not owe anyone an apology for starting the fire the previous night, Ward said.
Ward said Brannon also made statements she would burn down all of the neighbors’ homes before leaving the area.
Deputies searched the area and contacted Brannon at a nearby business. Ward said Brannon told deputies she was attempting to dispose of old gasoline by pouring it on the ground and soaking it up with an old blanket.
Brannon said she attempted to put the gas-soaked blanket into a trash bag when a Bic lighter she was holding in her hand spontaneously sparked and ignited the blanket, causing the fire to get out of her control, Ward said.
Ward said Brannon said the flames blew up in her face and she began shouting for someone to call 911.
Deputies and an investigator from the Northshore Fire Protection District continued to receive voluntary statements from Brannon and consent to search and collect evidence, Ward reported.
He said deputies established probable cause to arrest Brannon on felony charges of unlawful starting of a fire resulting in destruction of an inhabited structure, and unlawful starting of a fire during a state of emergency.
The value of the combined property loss and damage was estimated at approximately $613,500, Ward said.
Ward said Brannon was transported to the Hill Road Correctional Facility and booked on the charges.
Booking records said Brannon, whose occupation is listed as counselor, made her first court appearance on Monday.
A bail enhancement was requested from a Lake County Superior Court judge and granted in the amount of $500,000, Ward said.
Anyone with additional information pertaining to this case is encouraged to contact Lake County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Det. Richard Kreutzer at 707-262-4200 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..