California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection on Wednesday said, members of the Sonoma Lake-Napa Unit and others worked with law enforcement to arrest Merrill C. Brown, age 65, this week on suspicion of starting two wildland fires. According to Cal Fire, one of the fires was set in Lakeport and one in the community of Kelseyville. The fires were allegedly set by Brown on Sunday, June 18, 2017 and Monday, June 19, 2017. The fires burned a total of one-half-acre and were quickly extinguished by CAL FIRE, Kelseyville Fire Department and the City of Lakeport Fire Department.
Merrill C. Brown booking photo courtesy of Cal Fire
Brown has been charged with two counts of arson and was booked at the Lake County Jail. Bail is set at $50,000.
Cal Fire law enforcement was assisted by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, and they said Brown was arrested without incident.
As conditions are very dry throughout the state, Cal Fire continues to urge the public to be careful while working or playing outdoors and report any suspicious activity.