Arson Suspected in Half Moon Bay Area Fire, Transient Arrested: Sheriff's Office

HALF MOON BAY, CA – A fire this week that caused several thousand dollars' worth of damage at a business near Half Moon Bay was intentionally set by a local transient, the sheriff's department reports. The man, who was already in custody on another matter, is now also facing arson charges.

According to San Mateo County Sheriff's Det. Sal Zuno, the Tuesday night fire destroyed five greenhouses at the Mountain Mushroom Farm at 12761 San Mateo Road, just outside Half Moon Bay.

Thirty-eight-year-old Gilbert Mendoza Flores allegedly set the fire on purpose, according to the detective.

"Sheriff’s Office detectives, working cooperatively with inspectors from Cal Fire, were able to identify Flores as being responsible for setting the fire after examining the crime scene, interviewing witnesses and interviewing Flores," Zuno said in a news release.

"Flores, who is already in custody at the Maguire Correctional Facility on an unrelated matter, will be re-booked by Sheriff’s detectives on arson charges," he added. "His bail was set at $25,000."

The one-alarm fire was reported at 11:10 p.m. Tuesday, where as many as 100 greenhouses, some abandoned and some in use, occupy the property, Battalion Chief Ari Delay said. Because of its location, firefighters found it challenging to put out the blaze.

"It was extremely difficult to access," Delay said.

The property was also far from a water supply, he said.

As many as 26 firefighters at any time worked until about 4 a.m. to put out the fire.

He estimated the fire damage at $50,000 to $100,000.

SEE ALSO:

• Fire Near Half Moon Bay Causes Up To $100K In Damages
  

Bay City News Service contributed to this report / Image courtesy of Cal Fire