Man Arrested for Setting Brush Fire in Parkland near Populated Area
Photo: Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve
ANTIOCH — Authorities arrested a man believed to be responsible for setting a brush fire in parkland on the outskirts of a populated area. The fire north of Mount Diablo was quickly extinguished and potential disaster averted.
East Bay Regional Park District Police arrested the suspected arsonist for starting a fire near a park entrance. The blaze occurred on August 13th at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve.
The blaze damaged 20 feet of wooden fencing and incinerated dry brush. Otherwise there was no other damage, nor injuries reported. Altogether it burned an area of approximately 1,500 square feet before it was contained.
A ranger witnessed the fire along the shoulder of a road at the entrance to the 6,000-acre park. Specifically, the ranger saw a man squirting suspected lighter fluid onto a burning brush fire.
The ranger also serves as a firefighter with the East Bay Regional Park District Fire Department. The fire was extinguished by the ranger with assistance from the Contra County Fire Department.
Park police responded to the scene and arrested the 38-year-old suspect. Jesus Israel Reyes-Ambriz was booked for one count of arson at the Martinez Detention Facility. Bond for his release was set at $75,000.
The arson remains under investigation. Anyone with information can call the East Bay Regional Park District Police at 510-690-6549.
