Photo credit: Marc Albert/KRCB Cal Fire investigators look for clues after extinguishing a blaze along Hwy 116 in this 2021 file photo.

A Cal Fire firefighter has been arrested for allegedly starting five fires in the North Bay in recent weeks while he was off duty.

Cal Fire law enforcement officers say a 38-year-old Cal Fire employee from Healdsburg was arrested Friday morning and is being held on suspicion of arson to forest land in connection with blazes near Geyserville, Healdsburg, and Windsor.

Fire officials believe the man, a fire apparatus engineer, ignited the Alexander Fire on Aug. 15, the Windsor River Road Fire on Sept. 8, the Geysers Fire on Sept. 12, and the Geyser and Kinley fires on Sept. 14.

All five fires "combined" burned less than an acre of wildland due to quick actions of residents and firefighters.

Cal Fire Chief Joe Tyler said he is appalled to learn a Cal Fire employee would violate the public's trust, and by what he described as an "attempt to tarnish the tireless work of the 12,000 women and men of Cal Fire," Tyler said. 

The agency thanked residents of the affected communities for their vigilance and information that led to the suspect's arrest.

A check of records shows the firefighter was booked into the Sonoma County Jail just before noon today. He faces five counts of arson to forest land. Each count carries a two to six year sentence.

He also faces an additional charge---allegedly committing arson within an area designated as under a state of emergency by the governor. That charge carries a five to nine year sentence. Bail was set at $2 million.

An initial court hearing has been scheduled for September 23 in Santa Rosa. It is unclear if the alleged suspect has retained an attorney.

An email to CalFire local 2881, which represents firefighters, was not returned by deadline.