Suspect arrested after grass fire burns 35 acres in Sacramento County
SACRAMENTO — Authorities now say that they have arrested a man suspected of lighting a grass fire that went on to burn 35 acres near Rancho Cordova.
A small grass fire was spotted near Jackson and Excelsior roads, south of Mather Field, shortly before 7:20 p.m. Monday, according to the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District.
Firefighters initially contained the fire to two acres, but winds in the area helped it spread and grow to burn 35 acres. It was then that Metro Fire was able to stop the forward progress of the fire.
Metro Fire said the grass fire may have been intentionally set and that an individual who was identified as a person of interest was detained by the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office.
That person detained has been identified by authorities as 36-year-old Ernesto Hernandez. According to Metro Fire, Hernandez admitted to starting the fire with a lighter.
No one was injured in the fire.
