I hope someone finds this arsonist, because this guy has the blood of two fire fighters on his hands. I have quite a few California readers, so hopefully some of you investigator types can get up on this deal. Good luck. –Matt
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California governor announces $100,000 reward in arson-caused wildfire
September 4, 2009
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever set a deadly wildfire north of Los Angeles.Schwarzenegger announced the reward Friday, a day after officials said forensic evidence at the fire’s point of origin revealed that the wildfire — among the largest in Southern California’s history — was intentionally set. Two firefighters died Sunday when their truck careened off a steep mountain road.Under state law, the governor may offer rewards up to $100,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person killing a firefighter in the line of duty.The fire has burned through 241 square miles of the Angeles National Forest. More than 70 homes have been destroyed.
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Governor’s Proclamation, Sept. 4, 2009:
WHEREAS, on August 26, 2009, I proclaimed a State of Emergency in Los Angeles County due to a fire that started on August 26,2009, now known as the Station Fire; and
WHEREAS, the Station Fire has burned approximately 150,000 acres, continues to burn and is not yet contained; and
WHEREAS, two firefighters were killed while fighting the Station Fire in Los Angeles County; and WHEREAS, state and local officials have determined the cause of the fire is arson; and WHEREAS, Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca requested that a state reward be offered, in supplement to an existing reward, to encourage individuals with information about this crime to contact law enforcement; and WHEREAS, public assistance is vital to law enforcement, and rewards often encourage public cooperation essential to apprehend those who have committed serious offenses; and WHEREAS, the Governor is authorized by Penal Code section 1547(b) to offer rewards up to $100,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person who kills a firefighter in the line of duty; and WHEREAS, the reward will be paid in accordance with Penal Code section 1547.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, Governor of the State of California, do hereby offer, effective immediately, a reward in the amount of $100,000 for new information, voluntarily given hereafter, leading to the arrest and conviction in a California court of the person or persons responsible for setting this fire.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed at Sacramento, California this 4th day of September 2009.
/s/ Arnold Schwarzenegger
Story here.