Clayton Fire Updates: Video of Damage; Arsonist Has Long History of Arrests; Casualties, Evacuations, and Latest Situation
Damin Pashilk has previously been arrested for several counts of arson and drug charges and has violated parole several times; residents cheered as police said they caught the him.
Latest updates on Clayton Fire. Suspected arsonist arrested for starting a fire in Lower Lake that scorched more than 175 buildings and has displaced people from their homes.
Damin Pashilk, a 40-year old resident of Clearlake, has been charged with starting the Clayton Fire. Reports said that Pashilk worked before as a firefighter when he was detained in prison for a five-term drug and weapons charge.
Vicky Waters, spokesperson for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said Pashilk was detained at the California Correctional Facility in Susanville and reported directly to Trinity Camp in Lewiston from April to July 2007.
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Long history of arrests
The suspect was committed to the Lake County state prison in January 2002 and was released on July 25, 2007. He was on parole after his release, but was arrested for six times for parole violations. He was not able to serve as a firefighter again.
In 2009, Pashilk was arrested on suspicion of possession of a weapon and controlled substance, methamphetamine. Police who detained the suspect, at that time, said that authorities went to his home in Napa with a search warrant. Apparently, Pashilk was at the door with a loaded gun. He ran back into his home so he could hide his gun. He was reported to have a marijuana-growing business.
He was placed under arrest Monday and was booked on multiple counts of arson related to the fire, as well as other fires in the area that happened last year. Cal Fire Chief Ken Pimlott, said that they are still unsure how the fire started, but Pashilk has been under investigation for a year now.
The suspect faces 17 counts of arson and is now detained in the county jail. Records trace Pashilk's line of work as "construction." It also showed that his bail was set at $5.1 million.
The situation so far
Lake County is under a state of emergency. The fire forced the entire town to move out. Gov. Jerry Brown declared the orders to help boost aid to people that have been affected by the fire. There is still no word if residents can go back to their homes.
The Clayton Fire started around Saturday and by Monday it was 5% contained according to fire officials. Firefighters on the scene thought that they were able to control the fire Saturday, but due to high winds, it strengthened overnight and became an uncontrollable blaze Sunday.
Damaged buildings and structures included homes, a winery, a post office, and offices including a Habitat for Humanity headquarters. Charred cars and patio furniture are what's left for most residents should they return to their homes.
Patients at the St. Helena Hospital were evacuated to prepare for worsening conditions.
Firefighters continued their efforts. Aerial groups poured water and retardant over the flames while bulldozers and ground crew worked on foot. The crew strengthened their positions North of Lower Lake to prevent the fire from moving into denser populated areas of Clearlake. Main Street was heavily affected.
