Suspect arrested for starting fire to “keep warm” after 5 acres charred Wednesday night

DANVILLE – A suspect was arrested for arson and other charges after a fire charred 5 acres in east Danville/San Ramon Wednesday night.

At around 10:45 pm Wednesday, a San Ramon Police community service officer observed a fire on a hill north of Red Willow Park and notified San Ramon Valley Fire dispatch.

The first engine company arrived at the scene a few minutes later and worked to get access to the fire. It appeared to be 1 acre and spreading toward a water tower.

At around 11:20 pm, firefighters reported seeing an encampment on the hill and a suspicious person hiding in the bushes. Police officers were dispatched to the scene when the subject admitted to starting the fire.

The subject attempted to flee firefighters but was eventually detained in the back of an ambulance until police arrived.

During a police investigation, officers determined the subject, a 30-year-old male transient started the fire in an open field of dry vegetation in an attempt to warm himself.

According to Danville Police Cheif Allan Shields, the transient was booked at the Martinez Detention Facility for recklessly causing a fire, being under the influence of a controlled substance, and for violating terms of his probation.

San Ramon Valley Fire Interim Fire Marshal Stephen Healy said the 2-alarm fire briefly threatened homes in two neighborhoods. Healy said 32 personnel from San Ramon Valley and Alameda County fire departments helped fight the fire, which burned approximately 5 acres of grass and brush.

Healy also confirmed there were no injuries or structures lost as a result of the fire. A bulldozer from Alameda County Fire Department also helped battle the fire while a Contra Costa County Sheriff’s helicopter helped law enforcement look for the suspected arsonist, who is being charged with a felony, Healy said.

Investigators located various pieces of evidence at the scene.