POLLOCK PINES, Calif. — A 53-year-old Modesto man has been arrested on suspicion of arson following a small vegetation fire that broke out early Friday morning near Pollock Pines, authorities said.
The fire, dubbed the Deep Fire, was reported at approximately 12:23 a.m. on March 20 in the Randolph Canyon Road area. Initially estimated at 4 acres, the blaze was later mapped at 2 acres after firefighters halted its forward progress within a short time.
No injuries or structural damage were reported.
Investigation Leads to Arrest
According to CAL FIRE, firefighters discovered a man near the burn area during mop-up operations on March 21. The individual, later identified as Mark Mastin, told crews he had been disoriented in the canyon for two days.
Fire personnel assisted Mastin out of the area, providing food, water, and a medical evaluation. However, due to suspicious circumstances, CAL FIRE law enforcement officers were called to the scene.
Following an interview, investigators concluded Mastin had “intentionally and recklessly” ignited the fire, according to an official statement.
Mastin was taken into custody and booked into the El Dorado County Jail on a felony charge under California Penal Code 452(c), which pertains to unlawfully causing a fire to forest land.
Multi-Agency Response
The fire was quickly contained through a coordinated response involving:
- CAL FIRE Amador-El Dorado Unit
- El Dorado County Fire Protection District
- U.S. Forest Service, Eldorado National Forest
Authorities credited the rapid response for preventing the fire from spreading further in an area already vulnerable to wildfire risk.
Public Safety Reminder
CAL FIRE officials are urging residents to remain vigilant as fire season approaches.
“If you see something concerning, do not hesitate to notify authorities,” the agency stated. “Early reporting can prevent small fires from becoming major incidents.”
Suspicious fire activity can be reported to CAL FIRE’s Arson Hotline at 1-800-468-4408.
