BUTTE COUNTY, CA (MPG) - A transient was arrested Wednesday morning, May 27^th, on suspicion of arson for allegedly setting multiple fires to grass-covered lands in the community of Gridley. Jose Manuel Santiagogomez, age 37, was booked into the Butte County Jail on one count of Penal Code 451(c), arson to forested lands, and one count of Penal Code 454(a)(2), arson during a declared emergency.

Santiagogomez’s bail is set at $325,000.

CAL FIRE received an interagency communication from the Gridley Police Department stating they had detained Santiago Gomez for unrelated charges. He was wanted by CAL FIRE for questioning regarding several suspicious fires. A CAL FIRE Law Enforcement Officer conducted an interview and as a result arrested Santiagogomez.

Further investigation of Santiagogomez may result in additional charges.