During
the early morning hours of December 04, 2020, Humboldt Bay Fire (HBF)
responded to four (4) separate dumpster/trash can fires in the area
of the 101 corridor through town. The following is a list of the
locations.
Mathern.
At
about 2:30 am, HBF responded to and extinguished a fire to the
dumpster and structure at 323 Third Street. This fire caused exterior
damage only to the building, along with damage to the dumpster.
At
about 5:03 am, HBF responded to and extinguished a dumpster fire to
the rear of 607 Summer Street. This fire was contained within the
dumpster.
At
about 6:32 am, HBF responded to and extinguished a trash can fire to
the rear of 337 F Street. This fire was contained within the trash
can.
At
about 8:17 am, HBF responded to investigate an extinguished dumpster
fire at 1441 Broadway. The actual fire had occurred sometime during
the night. This fire was contained within the dumpster.
The
total damage was estimated by HBF at about $16,000.00
As
part of the investigation, the areas of the fires were canvased for
witnesses and possible video surveillance. As a result, footage was
obtained of the suspect. Officers began searching the area.
At
about 10:03 am, an officer of the Eureka Police Department located a
subject, who closely matched the suspect in the video footage,
standing at the 300 block of Commercial Street. The subject,
identified as Wayne Robert Mathern (41 years old), was interviewed
and soon taken into custody for two counts of arson and probation
violation. Due to his probation status, he is not eligible for bail.
This
is an ongoing investigation and anyone with information regarding
this investigation is urged to contact Officer Brian Ross at (707)
441-4060 ext. 1326
CLICK TO MANAGE