9 Palm Desert Brush Fires Blamed On Arson, Arrest Made

PALM DESERT, CA — Brush fires that broke out over the long Memorial Day holiday weekend in Palm Desert were the result of arson and an arrest has been made, according to an announcement Wednesday from Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department.

Jose Ruben Rodriguez, 35, a transient of Palm Desert and surrounding areas, is suspected of setting nine wildland fires along Interstate 10, between Washington and Jefferson streets, over a 36-hour period from May 24-25, according to the Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department announcement.

“These fires impacted railway and highway commerce and resulted in extended commitment of fire suppression resources,” the agency said.

Rodriguez was booked into John Benoit Detention Center in Indio on suspicion of arson and is scheduled for arraignment Thursday, Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department said. Jail records were not immediately available.

No further details were released.