Santa Rosa, California arrests five suspects amid arson fire surge

Since late June, Santa Rosa authorities have responded to more than 30 vegetation fires, with at least 17 believed to be intentionally set. The surge prompted a series of arrests. Five individuals were taken into custody: Adan Alvarez‑Florez (32) for reckless burning, Wuilton De Leon Reyes (46) for arson, Corey Bynum (42) for arson and vandalism, Jason Cass (37) on arson and drug charges, and Jessica Lucas (36) for reckless burning and an outstanding warrant. Police and fire officials, including Santa Rosa Fire Department Division Chief Paul Lowenthal, said the suspects do not appear to be linked but investigations continue to determine if they are responsible for additional fires. A separate arrest involved a 32‑year‑old homeless man spotted with a lighter and soot near a blaze on Highway 12 in Sonoma County, marking the sixth arson‑related arrest in the city’s recent investigation. Officials emphasized the community’s heightened anxiety after previous major wildfires and urged residents to report suspicious activity.