Helendale Man Arrested for Starting 10-Acre River Bottom Fire

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HELENDALE – A 50-year-old Helendale man was arrested for starting a fire in the wash area at Vista and Riverview Roads in Helendale.

On Wednesday, August 15, 2018, at around 7:30 p.m., the San Bernardino County Fire Department and deputies from the Victor Valley Station responded to multiple reports of a vegetation fire. When the first firefighters arrived they found around an acre of dense brush burning at a slow rate of speed in the area near Helendale Road. Firefighters were able to stop the spread of the fire within an hour of their arrival.

Huriberto Rodriguez, 50, of Helendale, was detained for questioning. Through investigation it was learned that Rodriguez used a BIC lighter to start the fire that quickly grew burning around 10 acres of shrubs before it was fully extinguished. Rodriguez attempted to flee the scene, but witnesses assisted deputies with information about his location. Rodriguez was located down the road from the fire.

Rodriguez was found to be in possession of functioning lighters and was arrested. He was booked into the High Desert Detention Center and is being held in lieu of $250,000 bail. Rodriguez is scheduled to appear at the Victor Valley Superior Court on August 17, 2018.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to contact Deputy R. Escalera at Victor Valley Sheriff’s Station, (760) 552-6800. Persons wishing to remain anonymous can report information to WeTip by calling 1-800-78-CRIME, or by accessing the website at www.wetip.com.