Wheatland man arrested after Cal Fire says string trimmer sparked 16-acre wildfire in Lake County

A Wheatland man suspected of starting a small wildfire in Lake County using a string trimmer has been arrested, according to the Cal Fire Law Enforcement Division.

The man, who has not been identified by authorities, was arrested and released on a promise to appear in Lake County Superior Court for his alleged role in starting the Adams Fire, authorities said in a news release Friday. The grass fire started Wednesday from a fire at a commercial structure in the 16200 block of Main Street in Lower Lake, according to Cal Fire’s Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit. The blaze has charred 16.2 acres and was 90% contained, fire officials said in an update Thursday morning.

Investigators said the fire “was determined to be the result of weeding dry grass in the hot afternoon temperatures.” The suspect is expected to be charged with three misdemeanors, including using a device capable of starting a fire and using a device near dry grass without a permit.

“Lawn mowers, weed eaters, chainsaws, grinders, welders, tractors and trimmers can all start a wildfire,” Cal Fire said in the statement. “Space protection work is essential to help create a perimeter around your home to protect it from a wildfire, but only if done in the right weather conditions.”

Firefighters noted that the area was under red alert at the time due to a “combination of extreme heat, elevated fire conditions and a heavy crop of dried grass and shrubs.”

The fire briefly prompted evacuations in the Lower Lake area but was quickly brought under control. In an update Thursday, Cal Fire said crews were continuing to mop up hot spots.