Loma Fire arson suspect pleads not guilty
SBPD
and last updated 2021-05-25 18:37:39-04
Charges have been filed against the man police say sparked a fire in Santa Barbara last week that forced evacuations, damaged at least one home and threatened several others.
The Santa Barbara County District Attorneyâs office on Tuesday announced the charges against Victor Angel Hernandez, 23, of Santa Barbara
The charges include three felony and two misdemeanor counts, including arson of an inhabited structure, attempted arson and reckless burning, which the DAâs Office says are related to various incidents that took place in and around the Loma Alta Drive area.
KCBX s Sydney Brandt reports.
From May through late October, it’s typically all hands on deck for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). However, wildfires can take place regardless of the calendar.
According to the National Integrated Drought Information System, 97.5% of the State of California is in a drought, which Cal Fire San Luis Obispo Spokesperson Adan Orozco said could mean a potential for a heightened season.
“Every year is kind of up in the air, but there are factors that contribute into the potential for having a destructive fire season and all those things are lining up for us right now,” Orozco said.