Boles Fire Suspect Arrested

Weed, Calif. – On October 11, 2014, Weed Police Department arrested Ronald Beau Marshall, 24, of Weed, CA in connection with the Boles Fire.

After a three week joint investigation between Weed Police Department, Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Department and CAL FIRE, Marshall was arrested and booked into the Siskiyou County Jail on a felony warrant with charges of Arson of an Inhabited Structure or Property, Arson to Forest Land, and Arson of Property of Another. Bail was set at $250,000.

CAL FIRE works diligently in arson cases to aggressively investigate and prosecute those suspected of intentionally starting fires. “As fire danger remains extreme across California, arson puts life, property and natural resources at risk and we will continue to dedicate as many resources as needed to track down and prosecute those who purposely threaten our State,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, director of CAL FIRE.

Residents should be vigilant in their preparedness and aware of suspicious persons when a fire does start. If you witness someone suspicious make note of the time, his or her physical description, as well as any vehicle description, including the license plate number. Always contact law enforcement, never approach a suspicious person. Anyone with information about arson is urged to contact the CAL FIRE Arson Hotline at 1-800-468-4408. Callers can remain anonymous.

The Boles fire destroyed 516 acres, 157 homes, and forced the evacuation of more than 4,000 people. Over 1,000 firefighters were on the front lines battling this destructive fire.