RRU - Press release - $100,000 Reward offered for Information on Arson Fire

News Release
Release Date:	11/08/2007	Release Time:	11:00 AM
Contact:	CAL FIRE/ Riverside County Captain Julie Hutchinson 951-940-6985	Subject:	$100,000 Reward offered for Information on Arson Fire
CAL FIRE and Riverside County Fire Investigators have determined that arson is the cause of the Rosa Fires, which began Monday October 22, at 11:00 pm. The three separate fires were located at: Via Santa Rosa and Via Peregrino, Via Vaquero and Calle La Paz, and Via Barranca at Sandia Creek, all in the De Luz area. Riverside County Sherriff¿s department in cooperation with CAL FIRE and Riverside County Fire evacuated 150-200 residents. (Firefighters fought this fire in 30-35 mph winds.) These fires were contained to a total of 411 acres, and an estimated $1.41 million dollars of damage was sustained to avocado groves and farming equipment in the area. "Arson is a hideous crime that should be clearly viewed as an act against both life and property. We are very thankful for the constant support of Governor Schwarzenegger for the arson reward and for his constant support of all firefighters. I expect that the American conscience will rally to provide critical information to help apprehend and convict all arsonists." Chief John Hawkins On November 2, 2007, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced a $50,000 reward for information leading toward the arrest and conviction, in a California Court of the person or persons responsible for setting the Rosa Fire. Today the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has matched that reward. ATF is offering a reward of $50,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and/or conviction of the person(s) responsible for setting the Rosa Fire. "We can not, and will not, tolerate this type of destructive behavior. Whether the loss is 500 acres or 500,000 acres, ATF will dedicate all available resources toward the apprehension of the cowardly individual(s) responsible for this arson fire," stated John A. Torres, ATF Special Agent in Charge We are asking for the public¿s assistance in providing any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible for the ROSA Fires. Callers are encouraged to call the 24 hour-a-day staffed ATF Arson hot line at 1-888-ATF-FIRE or 1-888-283-3473. CAL FIRE and Riverside County Fire Investigators are working with agents from ATF.