CAL FIRE announced the arrest of Edward Wackerman of Mariposa County for allegedly starting last year’s Oak Fire that ravaged California’s Yosemite National Park area.
“This fire has become the most devastating fire in Mariposa’s history. And as a community, we stay engaged to support one another,” said Mariposa County Sheriff Jeremy Briese at a press conference held Tuesday morning in front of the Mariposa County Courthouse.
The fire started in late July 2022 and destroyed 127 homes and 66 outbuildings, burning through 19,244 acres.
“In the days leading up to the Oak Fire, a series of three separate fires were intentionally set in the Carstens Road area of Mariposa County,” said Walter W. Wall, Mariposa County’s District Attorney, at the press conference. “On July 22, 2022, a fourth fire was set in the same area in dry forest brush of Carstens Road. This fire became known as the Oak Fire.”
According to a GoFundMe page which has been taken down now, Wackerman is reportedly a retired firefighter of 12 years. At the press conference, Sheriff Briese was asked whether Wackerman had actually been a fireman at one time.
“I don’t know the answer. But I believe the answer is yes,” Briese said.
The GoFundMe page stated it was started by Wackerman’s neighbor. It was asking for funds to help Wackerman repair his water system, damaged by the very fire he’s accused of starting.
The suspect was taken into custody June 16 and is facing multiple felony charges, including aggravated arson, arson that causes great bodily injury, and arson causing damage or destruction of inhabited structures.
“The arrest of the arson suspect, Edward Wackerman, is a step towards justice, but it cannot undo the damage already done. My thoughts are with those who have been affected by this tragedy, and I hope that they are able to find comfort and support and continue to heal and rebuild their lives,” said Sheriff Briese. “I have 100% confidence that the Mariposa County District Attorney’s Office will carry this case to the finish line.”
If convicted, Wackerman could receive a maximum sentence of life in prison. He is being held at the Mariposa County Jail on a no-bail detention. His continued arraignment is set for Sept. 14 at the Mariposa County Superior Courthouse, according to the Mariposa County District Attorney’s Office.
An alleged motive has not been publicly released by authorities at this time.
