Haunting footage has been uncovered of a “man wearing a straw hat” walking away from the devastating Dove Fire that has threatened a town known as the “gateway to Yosemite.”
The suspect, who has since been identified as 30-year-old Jacob William Hoskins, is seen walking by passing vehicles with the blaze behind him shortly after it started.
It turns out that Hoskins, a “local transient,” allegedly started the fire, according to officials.
Cal Fire law enforcement, the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office, and the Sonora Police Department arrested Hoskins at Rotary Park wearing the same straw hat in the video.
Officials recognized him based on the “social media imagery” and prior contacts with law enforcement. He’s been charged with the felony crime of recklessly causing a fire.
They credited the public with the information leading to Hoskins’ arrest.
“The Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank our community. The vigilance of community members who promptly reported suspicious activity and captured photos and videos of Hoskins proved invaluable to the investigation and ultimately contributed to his identification and arrest,” they wrote in a statement.
The Dove Fire has slowed substantially since its quick start on Sunday. Firefighters currently have the fire 25% contained, and it has spread about 225 acres.
In the last update, Cal Fire officials said they made some evacuation changes and advised residents that the evacuation shelter is still available.
A Tuesday morning update said overnight “crews worked towards increasing containment” and fire suppression efforts would continue.
If convicted, Hoskins could face up to three years in prison.
The Dove Fire was reported right before 3 p.m. Sunday in the hills southwest of downtown Sonora, a popular gateway city to Yosemite National Park. It grew to 223 acres by 7:30 p.m. according to Cal Fire.
As of late Sunday night, the fire was just 1% contained, but its rate of spread had slowed from dangerous to moderate, meaning that it was holding within lines built to slow it down.
The Dove Fire was reported right before 3 p.m. in the hills southwest of downtown Sonora, a popular gateway city to Yosemite National Park. It grew to 223 acres by 7:30 p.m. according to Cal Fire.
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