Man Sparks Wildfire By Driving Truck With No Tire, Cal Fire Says

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — Cal Fire law enforcement made an arrest in connection with a 50-acre wildfire that broke out Wednesday east of Healdsburg.

It is alleged that Justin Roy Jones, 44, of Anderson, drove his truck without a right front tire for over 4 miles as the truck ground into the asphalt, creating the sparks that ignited the Flora Fire.

"This caused three separate fires along Chalk Hill Road, threatening multiple structures and burning 36 acres," Cal Fire said.

Jones was arrested and booked into Sonoma County jail around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday on suspicion of two felonies: unlawfully and recklessly starting a fire to a structure, forest land, or property and violating the terms of his probation.

The Flora Fire broke out shortly after 4:30 p.m. Wednesday in the 12000 block of Chalk Hill Road, east of Healdsburg in the Geyserville area.

"The wind-driven fire quickly grew to 36 acres before firefighters were able to stop its forward progress at 7:15 p.m.," Cal Fire said.

Chalk Hill Road was closed between Spurgeon Road and Flora Ranch Road late into Wednesday evening.

Crews achieved 35 percent containment on the fire Wednesday night and had the blaze 75 percent contained Thursday night.

Personnel from several agencies, including Northern Sonoma County Fire Protection District, Santa Rosa Fire Department, Sonoma County Fire District, Healdsburg Fire Department, Dry Creek Rancheria Fire Protection District, Gold Ridge Fire Protection District, South Lake County Fire Protection District and the California Highway Patrol assisted on the fire.

Jones remained in custody Thursday night, with his bail set at $45,000. Jail records showed that in addition to the arrest charges, he faces charges of receiving stolen property, identity theft and possession of metal knuckles. He was scheduled to appear in court Friday morning.