Holy Fire Arson Suspect Refuses To Leave His Cell For Arraignment

TRABUCO CANYON, CA — The man suspected of setting the Holy Fire in Trabuco Canyon earlier this week was expected to be arraigned Thursday, according to the Orange County District Attorney's Office. The suspect, Forrest Gordon Clark, 51, of Trabuco Canyon delayed his initial court appearance from early this morning, as "he refused to come out of his cell," a court official said. The arraignment has been rescheduled to Friday, the OCDA's office said.

Clark, who was being held on $1 million bail, was charged with aggravated arson damaging at least five inhabited structures, arson of inhabited property, arson of forest and criminal threats, all felonies, as well as two misdemeanor counts of resisting arrest, according to Assistant District Attorney Chris Duff. Clark could face 10 years to life in prison.

"The defendant is accused of setting a fire in Trabuco Canyon, which has damaged or destroyed at least 14 structures," the OCDA's office said.

Initially, when investigators went to question Clark he abrasively told them they weren't allowed on his property in Holy Jim Canyon, the flashpoint of the fire, Duff said. He is accused of threatening his neighbors, including one whose cabin burned down an hour later, Duff said.

Orange County Fire Authority Battalion Chief Shane Sherwood said the fire began "around and near" Clark's cabin in Holy Jim Canyon. He declined to comment on specifics that led to his arrest, other than saying witness statements and "physical findings" at the scene led to the belief Clark set the massive blaze.

"As far as exactly how it was started, we're still working through some of that evidence," Sherwood said.

Volunteer Fire Chief Mike Milligan, who also has a cabin in the area, told the Orange County Register Clark has long feuded with a neighbor and other cabin owners. He ran through the area last week screaming, and sent Milligan an email warning that "this place will burn," Milligan said.

Clark spoke to a videographer from OnScene outside his Holy Jim Canyon prior to his arrest, insisting he had nothing to do with the fire. The bizarre interview (below) was later released by ABC7 news.

He claimed during the interview that he was the target of threats from various gangs, that his water was turned off and that he had been burned. It is not currently known if Clark was under the influence of drugs or alcohol upon his arrest.

Meanwhile, the Holy Fire has eaten over 9,600 acres in the Cleveland National Forest since it began midday Monday. Two firefighters have been treated for heat related illnesses and thousands have been evacuated from their homes.

This is a developing report. Refresh for more information.

OCDA Photo