Cal-Fire Law Enforcement has released some details about the arrest that was made as a result of a fire in Jones Valley. The Hidden Fire started on June 16th off Bear Mountain Road, and was difficult to fight due to the very rugged and steep terrain and the thick dry vegetation. It prompted a number of evacuations but was held to 45 acres with no structural damage. The initial responding firefighters found two men trying to put the fire out to protect a nearby home. One of the men was associated with the property while the other man was a passerby who stopped to help. Following an investigation, it was determined that the fire had been sparked by a lawn mower being used in red flag conditions. 59-year-old Qingguo Meng of Milpitis was arrested for unlawfully causing a fire. Tips on safely clearing defensible space during hot weather can be found at readyforwildfire.org.
– Steve Gibson