A 45-year-old woman was arrested Monday in Petaluma on suspicion of unlawfully causing a fire on forest land, a felony, after police said she acknowledged starting a vegetation fire near an encampment where she was staying. She was booked into Sonoma County Jail, where bail was set at $20,000.
Police responded at about 7:15 a.m. to the fire near Hopper Street and Caulfield Lane, according to The Press Democrat. Investigators located the woman at a nearby encampment and said they found evidence linking her to the fire, including a lighter.
Woman Told Officers She Started The Blaze
According to police, the woman told officers she had started the blaze. Dry grass and brush around the encampment posed a risk that the fire could move into nearby open space, but it was contained without reported injuries or property damage.
The arrest came during the region's peak fire season. Police identified the suspected offense as unlawfully causing a fire on forest land, which is described in the available reporting as a felony.
Petaluma Fire Information
According to the City of Petaluma, residents can receive emergency information through Petaluma Alerts via Nixle and Sonoma County Emergency Alerts. The services provide evacuation and safety information during fires and other disasters. The city information cited here does not state how many vegetation or grass fires the Petaluma Fire Department handled in 2024. The city also says construction will begin this year on a new Public Safety Facility intended to strengthen emergency preparedness and improve response times.
Bail Set At $20,000 As Case Moves Forward
Jail records show the woman remained in custody after her arrest, with bail set at $20,000.
Petaluma police urged residents to call 911 when they see an active fire or an immediate threat, and to report unauthorized fires and other hazards before they spread.
