Two suspected arsonists — one of them a 12-year-old girl — have been arrested in the East Bay city of Berkeley within a matter of days.
Both are accused of setting fires in the community in separate incidents. Golden Gate Media has obtained photos of the damage caused by one of the suspected arson fires.
Police said the first incident happened on Friday, June 11 in the Berkeley Hills, an area prone to high fire danger and is filled with multi-million dollar homes that overlook San Francisco Bay.
Residents in the area are especially mindful of fire danger given how dry conditions have been with the drought.
“On June 11, emergency personnel responded to four separate fires in the area of Cedar Street and La Vereda Road,” a police statement read. “Beginning at 10:22 am, emergency personnel responded to a small grass fire on the 1600 block of La Vereda Road, which neighbors were able to extinguish. At 2 pm, another fire was reported in the grassy area along Cedar Path (pathway between La Loma Avenue and La Vereda Road).”
“While handling the Cedar Path fire, emergency personnel learned of a second fire of dried leaves on the 1600 block of La Vereda Road,” police added. “At 7:28 pm, emergency personnel responded to a structure fire on the 2700 block of Cedar Street. After an additional investigation into the fires, emergency personnel was able to identify the suspect as a 12-year-old girl who was later arrested. “
Police did not reveal what led officers to the 12-year-old suspect, whose identity is not being released because of her age. Smoke from the fire was visible throughout the Bay Area, including from neighboring Oakland, Emeryville, El Cerrito, Albany, San Francisco, and parts of Marin County.
On Sunday, June 13, Berkeley Police detained another individual who was suspected of setting three trash cans on fire in the Downtown Berkeley area.
The first trash fire was reported at around 6 p.m. at Milvia and Addison Sts. Other fires were reported on Milvia and Center St. The suspect was arrested shortly after emergency crews responded.
The suspect’s name and motive have not been released as of press time.
“During the warmer months, we must all remain alert of the dangers of fire during this period of increased fire risk,” police stated in a news release. “Thanks to the quick action and reporting of neighbors, fires were able to be extinguished and a suspect later apprehended. We are thankful that no one was seriously injured by the fires.”
Berkeley city officials warn residents who live in the hills and other areas prone to the threat of wildland fires to be prepared to evacuate in case of emergencies.
“Consider preemptively relocating to a lower elevation during periods of heightened fire threat - such as when the Berkeley Fire Department announces an "Extreme Fire Weather" event,” the city recommends. “If you live in an area that has been designated as high fire risk (Fire Zones 2 and 3 on this map), the best way to stay in control and minimize your own risk is to leave the area until dangerous weather subsides. This is especially true for those who would have trouble getting out quickly on foot during an evacuation. Consider staying with friends, family, or at a hotel.”