A Mendocino County man has reportedly been arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with a vegetation fire in Ukiah.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, a sergeant responded late on the night of Aug. 20 to the area of McClure Subdivision Road, where fire personnel had already been dispatched following a report of a vegetation fire.
The fire, estimated to be around 20 feet in size, reportedly burned grass and vegetation along the road but was quickly contained.
A short time later, the sergeant and Ukiah Valley Fire Authority officials contacted a male individual in the area who was reportedly seen watching the fire. Authorities questioned this individual about the fire and, later, identified him as the primary suspect in starting the fire.
The Sheriff’s Office identified this individual as Edward Charles Vikart, 63, of Ukiah.
Vikart was arrested on suspicion of arson, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was later booked at the Mendocino County jail on $50,000 bond, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
