Edhat Staff
By the edhat staff
The Santa Barbara man accused of sparking the 2021 Loma Fire within city limits was sentenced to eight years in state prison on Thursday.
Santa Barbara County District Attorney John T. Savrnoch made the announcement that Victor Angel Hernandez, 24, pled guilty to Arson of an Inhabited Structure and admitted a special allegation for starting a fire that caused Damage to Multiple Structures.
The Loma Fire was a fast-moving vegetation fire that broke out late on a windy night, May 20, 2021, above Loma Alta Drive and spread up TV Hill toward Miramonte Drive.
Due to the unstable weather conditions and fast-moving pace of the fire, evacuations were ordered for the surrounding streets and neighborhoods. The fire ultimately burned approximately 9-acres and damaged multiple residences before fire personnel were able to contain the blaze.
Santa Barbara Police arresting Victor Angel Hernandez shortly after the fire spread (Photo: SBPD)
Judge Pauline Maxwell pronounced the sentence of 8 years, confirming a plea agreement reached with the District Attorney’s Office, which also requires Hernandez to register as an arson offender for the remainder of his life and pay at least $80,000 to the city in restitution.
District Attorney Savrnoch stated, “Thank you to the Fire Personnel who risked their lives stopping the spread of this arson before it could do even more damage to our city. Due to outstanding work, dedication, and corroboration between the Santa Barbara City Fire Investigators, Santa Barbara Police Officers and Detectives, and the Prosecution Team led by Senior Deputy Kevin Weichbrod, this individual was held accountable for his actions.”
Related Articles
May 21, 2021: Growing Brush Fire Off Loma Alta
May 21, 2021: Arson Suspect Arrested in Connection to Loma Fire
Good job!
So it wasn’t a homeless warming fire….. Huh, imagine that, Mr. Cat.
CHIP – yes, but it wasn’t caused by a “warming fire” as so many assumed. It was caused by an arsonist.
Unfortunately sac, most people would call him “homeless.” He was suffering from mental illness/drug addiction and living outdoors. He was unable to help himself, and he was ignored even after multiple minor arson incidents. Hopefully he’s getting the care he needs now, it’s a shame we refused to help him sooner.
No comment reported from the defense. Pretty one sided “news” it seems.
He pleaded guilty silly goose.
He pleaded to a lesser sentence (and probably a lesser charge) based on some sort of history. One reasonably can assume there is a history of mental health issues here. It would be nice to have some perspective on whether this is another example of the cost of not treating and housing this population. And, the rush to judge by the commentators in this post is unbecoming as is the name calling.
“The Santa Barbara man accused of sparking the 2021 Loma Fire . . .” He wasn’t just accused, he was CONVICTED. The press, after someone is arrested, is careful not presume guilt. But in this case, the accused has now been convicted and the story should have stated that in the first sentence.
do the folks that spark the fires along the train tracks and eucalyptus trees get jail time?
Arsonist, bum fire who really cares, the dirtbag is going to prison. bye bye.