Cal Fire: Suspect from Tulare County linked to California arson case

Visalia Times-Delta

A Tulare County man suspected of starting several fires along Highway 198 since 2015 was arrested in Coalinga on Oct. 22, Cal Fire officials announced this week.

A suspected serial arsonist is sitting behind bars after a three-year investigation, Cal Fire officials said.

Authorities believe longtime Tulare County resident Jose Sanchez, 44, started several fires along Highway 198 between Coalinga and Kings City.

"Suspicious fires" had been occurring in the area since at least 2015, officials said.

"We would like to take this opportunity to remind the public how important it is to be vigilant and report suspicious activity to the authorities," said Seth Brown, Cal Fire Fresno spokesperson.

Sanchez was arrested near Coalinga on Oct. 22, authorities announced this week.

Sanchez is being held at Fresno County Jail on $290,000 bail on a litany of felony arson charges, including setting fires during a state of emergency.

Anybody with information about a potential arson is encouraged to contact the Cal Fire Arson Hotline at 1-800-468-4408. Callers may remain anonymous.

Joshua Yeager covers water, agriculture, parks and housing for the Visalia Times-Delta and Tulare Advance-Register newspapers. Follow him on Twitter @VTD_Joshy. Get alerts and keep up on all things Tulare County for as little as $1 a month. Subscribe today.