Update: Arrest made in vegetation fire at Petaluma's Steamer Landing Park
PETALUMA – Police in Petaluma announced an arrest Friday in connection with a vegetation fire that broke out in the city's Steamer Landing Park on Wednesday.
First responders were called to the park around 2:20 p.m. Firefighters were able to quickly control the blaze, which burned about two acres.
No structures were damaged in the fire. There were no reports of injuries.
While fire crews were on the scene, police said they detained a man reportedly leaving the area where the fire started. A witness also positively identified the suspect.
The suspect, identified as 50-year-old Gary Dobshinsky, was arrested. He was booked into the Sonoma County Jail on suspicion of unlawfully causing a fire, possession of drug paraphernalia and on an outstanding felony warrant.
Police said Dobshinsky was a transient and on post release community supervision at the time of his arrest. According to jail records, he is scheduled to appear in court on Monday.
Firefighters said Wednesday's blaze was a reminder that fire season is not over and vegetation remains dry despite recent rainfall.
Anyone who may observe suspicious activity in the park is asked to call police at 707-778-4326.
