Wheatland man arrested after Cal Fire says weed trimmer sparked 16-acre wildfire in Lake County
A Wheatland man suspected of starting a small wildfire in Lake County using a weed trimmer has been arrested, according to Cal Fire’s law enforcement division.
The man, who was not identified by authorities, was arrested and released with a promise to appear in Lake County Superior Court for his alleged role in sparking the Adams Fire, authorities said in a news release Friday. The grass fire ignited Wednesday from a fire at a commercial structure on the 16200 block of Main Street in Lower Lake, according to Cal Fire’s Sonoma-Lake-Napa unit. The fire charred 16.2 acres and was 90% contained, firefighters said in a Thursday morning update.
Fire investigators said the fire “was determined to be the result of weed-eating in dry grass in the hot afternoon temperatures.” The suspect is expected to face three misdemeanor charges including operating a device that could start a fire and for operating a device near dried grass without a permit.
“Lawn mowers, weed-eaters, chainsaws, grinders, welders, tractors and trimmers can all spark a wildland fire,” Cal Fire said in the release. “Defensible space work is critical to help create a perimeter around your home to protect it from a wildfire, but only when done under the right weather conditions.”
Firefighters noted the area was under a red flag warning at the time for a “combination of extreme heat, elevated fire conditions, and an abundant, cured grass and shrub crop.”
The fire briefly prompted evacuations in the Lower Lake area but was quickly brought under control. In an update, Cal Fire said Thursday crews were continuing to mop up hot spots.
