In a shocking turn of events, Robert Hernandez, a 38-year-old California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) employee, was apprehended on September 22, 2023, for allegedly igniting five brush fires. The arrest took place at the Howard Forest Fire Station in Healdsburg, California, where Hernandez worked as an apparatus engineer.
Cal Fire, established in 1885, is responsible for responding to an average of 5,600 wildland fires annually. The organization operates over 3,300 fire engines and has a budget of approximately $3.7 billion for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. This incident has cast a shadow over the agency's reputation and raised questions about its hiring practices.
According to the Sonoma County District Attorney's Office, Hernandez has a prior conviction for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, stemming from a 2016 incident in San Bernardino County. This offense typically carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in California. After serving part of his six-year sentence, Hernandez was granted participation in a rehabilitation program in 2018.
California's inmate firefighter program, the largest in the United States, dates back to the 1940s. It houses approximately 3,100 inmates annually in fire camps across the state. Participants earn $2 to $5 per day, with an additional $1 per hour when actively fighting fires. This program is a joint effort between Cal Fire and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
The recent fires allegedly set by Hernandez occurred between August 14 and September 15, 2023, in forest areas near Geyserville, Healdsburg, and Windsor. Geyserville, known for its geothermal activity, Healdsburg, founded in 1857, and Windsor, incorporated in 1992, are all located in Sonoma County, a region renowned for its wine production.
Cal Fire Director and Fire Chief Joe Tyler expressed his dismay, stating:
"I am appalled to learn one of our employees would violate the public's trust and attempt to tarnish the tireless work of the 12,000 women and men of CAL FIRE."
The charges against Hernandez include arson to forest land, which is considered a felony in California. This incident has sparked discussions about the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs and the potential risks associated with employing former inmates in sensitive positions.
As California's fire season continues to extend due to climate change, the integrity of those tasked with protecting the state's forests becomes increasingly crucial. The case of Robert Hernandez serves as a reminder of the complex challenges facing fire management agencies and the ongoing need for rigorous screening and monitoring processes.