New Details Revealed In Pleasanton Arson Case

PLEASANTON, CA—New details have emerged involving the April 17 house fire that led to police charging one man with arson.

A fire investigator's final report shows that a fire that left a family homeless originated in the garage when clothes hanging on a metal clothing rack were intentionally set on fire, PleasantonWeekly.com reported.

Investigators claim Kent Charles Hermanson, 39, used a kitchen cooking torch to light the clothing on fire following an argument with his wife. He was reportedly one of six people in the house at the time.

The Alameda County District Attorney's Office has since charged Hermanson with four felony counts of child abuse, a felony count of arson and a felony count of arson during an emergency, court records show.

The fire caused major damage to the house. Fortunately, the other people who lived there were able to safely exit the home.

Hermanson's jail booking report stated he was a San Leandro resident, though police said he was most recently living with his family in the Pleasanton home he's accused of setting ablaze.

SEE ALSO:

• Arson Arrest: Man Also Facing Domestic, Child Abuse Charges
• 'Suspicious' House Fire Under Investigation In Pleasanton: Police