Clearlake Man Arrested On Suspected Arson For Clayton Fire, Other Blazes

LAKE COUNTY, CA – A Clearlake man was arrested Monday on suspicion of 17 counts of arson in connection with the 4,000-acre Clayton Fire currently burning south of Lower Lake, plus numerous fires in Lake County over the past year, according to officials.

Damin Anthony Pashilk, 40, was booked into the Lake County Jail Monday, CalFire spokesperson Daniel Berlant said.

The Clayton Fire arson charge will carry enhancements due to the destruction of homes and businesses, more than 175 structures in all, he said.

“The residents of Lake County have experienced senseless loss and endured significant hardship over the past year,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, CAL FIRE director. “Mr. Pashilk committed a horrific crime and we will seek prosecution to the fullest extent of the law. My thoughts continue to be with the people of Lake County during this difficult time."

Working the investigation are CAL FIRE law enforcement officers, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the Lake County District Attorney’s office, Berlant said, adding that "state and local law enforcement officers work diligently in arson cases to aggressively investigate and prosecute those suspected of intentionally starting fires."

The Clayton Fire, which broke out Saturday evening, has destroyed 4,000 acres as of this morning and is 20 percent contained, Cal Fire said.

Firefighters at the scene total 1,664. More than 175 structures were destroyed, to date, and an additional 1,500 are threatened, according to the department.

Cal Fire officials remind residents to be aware of suspicious persons when a fire starts. "If you witness someone suspicious make note of the time, his or her physical description, as well as any vehicle description, including the license plate number," the agency said. "Always contact law enforcement, never approach a suspicious person."

Anyone with information about arson is urged to contact the CAL FIRE Arson Hotline at 1-800-468-4408. Callers can remain anonymous.

Also see: Soberanes Fire Grows To More Than 76K Acres; Hwy 1 Reopens -- For Now

Previous Clayton Fire coverage:

• Clayton Fire Keeps Growing; Containment Still 5% [UPDATE]
• Clayton Fire Day 3: Blaze Roars On With 3,000 Acres Consumed [UPDATE]
• UPDATE: Clayton Fire Balloons To 1,400 Acres In 12 Hours
• Clayton Fire In Lake County Grows To 600 Acres, 15% Containment

--Photo via Cal Fire