JUST IN: Man Arrested After Burning Down Buildings In California

Man identified as Edward Fredrick Wackerman was arrested on suspicion of starting wildfire that burned Northern California residences.

The report was given  in a Friday statement that the 71-year-old California man had caused the destruction of inhabited structures through the wildfire.

The arrest and investigation into the matter were conducted by Cal Fire law enforcement officers, the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office, U.S.

Forest Service law enforcement, the National Park Service’s law enforcement, Madera County District Attorney investigators, the Mariposa County District Attorney’s office, the California Department of Justice Attorney General’s office and the FBI.

The Mariposa County District Attorney said Wackerman’s charges carry “serious legal consequences” and that the investigation is under review.

The Cal Fire release said the fire occurred in the Midpines area, near Yosemite National Park, tearing through 19,244 acres of vegetation, 127 residential structures and 66 outbuildings.

The agency reminded the public to be vigilant and report suspicious activity to authorities, noting that callers to the Cal Fire arson hotline can remain anonymous.