MENDOCINO Co., 8/22/24 – Authorities arrested a 63-year-old man for allegedly triggering a vegetation fire earlier this week near Ukiah.
The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office said that around 11:05 p.m. Tuesday, a deputy heard reports of a vegetation fire in the area of McClure Subdivision Road. The deputy found the blaze that was already 10 by 20 feet in size and was burning in grass and vegetation along the roadway.
Crews were able to extinguish the fire and stop it from reaching nearby structures.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, a man was contacted in the area who was seen watching the fire upon the arrival of first responders. The man was identified as Edward Charles Vikart, a 63-year-old resident of Ukiah.
Vikart was questioned regarding the fire and based on a preliminary investigation, authorities alleged he was responsible for starting the fire.
Vikart was arrested on suspicion of arson, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Arson is becoming all too common around here. Penalties for this crime need to be increased as a deterrent. The arsonist that burned my land and buildings got a 4 years prison sentence but actually only did 2 years and no fine.
I haven’t yet dug myself out of debt much less been able to re-build, nor will I ever be able to retire. Arson is a life changing event even if you have insurance.
By comparison, Greece recently implemented tough new penalties after losing thousands of acres of forest. Now the sentence is up to 20 years and/or a $200,000 fine.
I second Shelia Jenkins recommendation regarding longer sentences for convicted arsonists, and would add looters. That has to be the lowest, most despicable crime, if not as destructive and life damaging as arson.
Sheila Jenkins was there any restitution ordered for you. I wonder what fines do and where they go. A ( not small) portion should go to those who were harmed. I’m so sorry for what you endured. You live with it a long time.
Wendy that is the pit of the justice system. Fines may be levied but there is no debtor’s prison, so if the convicted can’t pay, all that you have is legal fees, on you.
If you win a judgement it’s up to you to collect it. We once had to go attach a ski boat in restitution for not getting paid. It’s a long process, not worth the trouble unless you think you really have a chance of significant compensation. Then we had to turn the ski boat into money. Barely worth the effort.