Cal Fire Makes Arrest In Oak Fire

LAKE COUNTY, CA — An arrest was announced by Cal Fire's Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit in connection with the recent Oak Fire in Lake County. The fire started at 2 p.m. Friday near Live Oak Drive and state Highway 29 in Kelseyville, burning 53 acres and one outbuilding.

Jody Buck Hickey, 39, of Kelseyville has been arrested on suspicion of causing the fire that forced the evacuation of 300 people and the closure of Highway 29 for several hours, according to Bruce Lang, spokesman for Cal Fire's Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit.

"The cause of the fire has been determined to be 'equipment use,' as Hickey, a lifelong resident of Lake County was welding and grinding in dry grass," Lang said Monday evening in a news release.

• Oak Fire Contained In Lake County

Hickey was arrested at about 2 p.m. Saturday by Cal Fire and remained behind bars Monday evening, according to Lake County Sheriff's jail records. His bail was set at $27,500: $15,000 in connection with the allegations from Cal Fire and another $12,500 for outstanding arrest warrants.

Cal Fire Law Enforcement officers accuse Hickey of violating Penal Code 452(c), which states a person is guilty of unlawfully causing a fire when he recklessly sets fire to or burns or causes to be burned, any structure, forest land or property.

According to Cal Fire, residents should use caution with outdoor equipment or tools, clear any dry or flammable items from work areas, have a water source nearby and stop work by 10 a.m.