Lower Lake – CAL FIRE law enforcement officers, in cooperation with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the Lake County District Attorney’s office, arrested a Clearlake man on suspicion of 17 counts of arson in connection with numerous fires in Lake County over the past year. Damin Anthony Pashilk, 40, was booked into the Lake County Jail for arson on Monday, August 15, 2016. While suspected of arson in many fires in Lake County, Pashilk is also implicated in the Clayton Fire, which has burned over 4,000 acres and destroyed more than 175 structures. The arson charges Pashilk faces in the Clayton Fire will also carry enhancements due to the destruction of homes and businesses. State and Local law enforcement officers work diligently in arson cases to aggressively investigate and prosecute those suspected of intentionally starting fires.
“The residents of Lake County have experienced senseless loss and endured significant hardship over the past year,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, CAL FIRE director. “Mr. Pashilk committed a horrific crime and we will seek prosecution to the fullest extent of the law. My thoughts continue to be with the people of Lake County during this difficult time."
As fire danger remains extreme across California, arson is a major threat to life, property and natural resources. Residents should be vigilant in their preparedness and aware of suspicious persons when a fire does start. If you witness someone suspicious make note of the time, his or her physical description, as well as any vehicle description, including the license plate number. Always contact law enforcement, never approach a suspicious person. Anyone with information about arson is urged to contact the CAL FIRE Arson Hotline at 1-800-468-4408. Callers can remain anonymous.
