A 71-year-old man was arrested and charged with starting the 2022 Oak Fire, the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office said yesterday. Edward Fredrick Wackerman of Mariposa, California, faces felony charges including aggravated arson for the fire that burned 19,244 acres and destroyed 127 residential structures and dozens of outbuildings. The Fresno Bee reported that the Oak Fire near Yosemite National Park ignited about 2 p.m. on July 22, 2022, in Midpines.
CAL FIRE law enforcement officers arrested Wackerman, according to the Mariposa Gazette, after an extensive interagency investigation, on multiple felony charges including suspicion of aggravated arson PC 451.5, arson that causes great bodily injury PC 451(a), and arson causing damage or destruction of inhabited structures PC 451(b).
The investigation was a collaborative effort among multiple agencies including CAL FIRE Law Enforcement, Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office, USFS Law Enforcement, NPS Law Enforcement, Madera County District Attorney Investigators, Mariposa County District Attorney’s Office, California Department of Justice Attorney General’s Office, and the FBI.
There were no reported fatalities caused by the Oak Fire, but Cal Fire said some were injured and treated, almost all for heat-related illness, and the fire burned for almost a month.
Officials initially said they were limited on what they could discuss in order to protect the investigation, but the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office said it planned a news conference for 10 a.m. Tuesday in front of the Mariposa County Courthouse; it will be streamed live on Facebook.
What motive would a former firefighter have for setting a fire like this?? He had to know that animal and human lives were at stake.
What secret resentments and anger must he have been carrying around until he just snapped?
Everytime I read a horrific story like this, I just want to know what possible motive they could have to commit these acts?
It’s not exactly common, Rhonda, but it’s not unheard of either; much has been written about this and is pretty easily searchable online. Of course no one can yet answer about this guy’s motives, but you can find history examples and theory about who they are and why they do it. There’s lots more, but here’s just one:
https://www.firerescue1.com/arson-investigation/articles/understanding-the-firefighter-arsonist-j06dtElH3OMZMwBS/
This subject is not about politics its about a Arsonist that has mental health problems. I could care less what side he in on the left or right this is the problem with America. I’m glad he was arrested end of sorry.
What do you base that take on Fred?
The first post is obviously gas lighting. Plain and simple eco-terrorist.
A right wing Republican terrorist ” It’s always that” , are you freaking kidding me……come on….REALLY….do you really think that politics factor into why people light fires, sorry but that’s just pure nonsense, and to be honest I am not sure why you were permitted to make such a comment. I suggest that you do your homework before you say something so offensive…..Aughhhhhhh!!!!!!!
This statement is so over the top that I had to laugh…..ha ha funny……Good one……
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/08/us/gary-maynard-alexandra-souverneva.html
Also his name is spelled Edward Frederick Wackerman — you may want to correct the article’s spelling
So there is no hint of a motive being offered? A right wing Republican terrorist, most likely, it’s always that or someone with a different mental problem. Good grief.