Hiker Arrested As Suspect Who Started Fire In Trione-Annadel State Park​

SONOMA COUNTY, CA – A Santa Rosa man has been arrested on suspicion of setting a grass fire in Trione-Annadel State Park on Monday night.

Carl William Oblad, 45, was reported missing by State Parks employees in the east Santa Rosa park, Sonoma County sheriff's Lt. Ed Hoener said. The sheriff's office responded around 8:15 p.m. to the overdue hiker call with a ground crew and the sheriff's Henry-1 helicopter, Hoener said.

Oblad was spotted by the helicopter on a trail near Lake Ilsanjo in the area of the fire, Cal Fire spokesman Mike Wilson said.

Oblad told Cal Fire responders he was not lost and did not light the fire as an alert or to keep warm, Wilson said.

"His motive was unclear," Wilson said this morning.

The fire was contained to a small area because of the quick response, according to Wilson.

Oblad was arrested on suspicion of arson around 9 p.m. Monday and is scheduled to appear in Sonoma County Superior Court this afternoon.

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--Bay City News/File photo