CAL FIRE arson arrests on pace for lowest since 2019

A man holding a burning match with a large fire in the background is seen in this file image. (Getty Images)

Posted: Dec 11, 2023 / 07:02 AM PST

Updated: Dec 11, 2023 / 07:55 AM PST

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CAL FIRE’s law enforcement officers are on pace to make the fewest number of arson arrests in four years.

As of Nov. 30, 101 arson-related arrests had been made in 2023, according to a CAL FIRE Instagram post. If the pace continues through December, the department will have made around 110 arrests for the year.

That number would be 10 fewer than were made in 2020.

CAL FIRE arrests since 2016:

2023* 101
2022 162
2021 149
2020 120
2019 70
2018 61
2017 86
2016 73

*As of Nov. 30, 2023

“This mission is crucial in bringing to justice those who endanger lives and/or property in our state,” CAL FIRE stated.

Anyone who sees suspicious fires or activities was urged to report them anonymously to the Arson Hotline at 800-468-4408. Information provided by the public could help avert future disasters.

“Let’s unite in the fight against arson,” CAL FIRE stated.