Riverside Sheriff’s deputies arrested a twisted firebug who allegedly torched 32 acres of scenic SoCal wilderness — and nearly burned several gorgeous wineries and homes.
Sheriff Chad Bianco’s officers made the collar Sunday afternoon as Cal Fire firefighters worked to extinguish the wild Temecula Valley blaze that authorities believe was intentionally set in the brambles off Rancho California Road sometime around lunchtime.
Dramatic video footage posted online showed the terrifying flames closing in on Callaway Winery Sunday. Acres of blackened earth surrounded the scenic vineyard as plumes of noxious smoke billowed in the sky.
The drama unfolded around 2:30 p.m., when emergency responders received several calls reporting fires in a beautiful portion of the Temecula Valley that contains several upscale wineries and stately homes.
Less than 15 minutes later, Cal Fire engines roared up to the blaze bearing hoses and teams of firefighters, while overhead, helicopters dropped water to extinguish the raging flames, said Cal Fire Public Information Officers Terra Fernandez.
In all, 10 engines plus a number of water trucks arrived with throngs of fire firefighters. Three air tanker helicopters were also summoned to the rapidly spreading blaze.
“Air really makes a big difference on these fires,” said Fernandez. “They help put it down right away.”
The fire burned 32 acres before it was contained at 3:48 p.m., Fernandez said. No homes of wineries were damaged by the blaze, she added.
Riverside Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene to help with Cal Fire’s effort and pinched the alleged firebug near the location at around 2:30 p.m., after they obtained a description of a suspect who was seen in the vicinity of the fire.
“A search of the area was conducted, and with the assistance of the Cal Fire Arson Investigator, the suspect was located and taken into custody,” said a statement issued by Riverside Lt. Deirdre Vickers.
Cal Fire and the sheriff’s office declined to name the suspect or provide details, citing an ongoing investigation.
Callaway Winery thanked Cal Fire for their fast work in a statement posted to Instagram.
“Words cannot express how grateful we are for their dedication, skills and commitment to keeping our community safe!” the winery wrote.
Cal Fire’s battalion 15 offered a gallant response to the vineyard’s post.
“You’re very welcome. We are glad we could help you in the time of need,” wrote the fire team. “We are here 24/7/365. Just a phone call away.”
The winery was reopened normally for business Monday after it was closed Sunday afternoon, reps for Calloway said.
Sunday’s fire in Temecula Valley came after two separate wildfires broke out in SoCal Friday within hours of each other, burning thousands of acres as authorities issued evacuation orders.
In Riverside County, the Springs Fire consumed 4,176 acres before it was contained over the weekend.
And the Crown Fire broke out in Acton, located in northern Los Angeles County, burning nearly 400 acres before it was contained.
Fire watchers said the California fire season is already off to a worrying start this year.
California Wildfire Tracking issued an ominous warning in a post on Instagram with video of the Springs Fire.
“To have a fire of this scale so early in the year is a very troublesome sign of what the rest of the season may have in store,” the fire information service wrote.
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