Arson Arrest Following Grass Fire Near Highway 12 

On July 30, 2026, at approximately 2:23 p.m., the Santa Rosa Fire Department (SRFD) and Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD) responded to multiple reports of a vegetation fire south of Highway 12, just east of Fulton Road. Firefighters arrived to find a fire primarily burning in dry seasonal grass located between Highway 12 and the Joe Rodota Trail. 

Due to dry conditions and the fire's proximity to the roadway, the fire grew large enough to disrupt traffic in the area. Multiple fire engines responded, and firefighters were able to quickly contain and extinguish the fire to an area that measured approximately 50 by 70 feet  

While crews were responding, SRPD patrol officers and several SRFD Fire Investigators were also dispatched due to recent fire activity in the area that has resulted in several arson-related arrests in recent weeks. California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers also assisted because of the location near the freeway. 

As fire investigators and officers arrived on scene, an SRFD Fire Inspector observed an adult male walking in an area adjacent to the freeway near the fire's origin. The Fire Inspector contacted the individual and observed him discard a lighter. 

SRPD officers responded and contacted the subject, who was later identified as Humberto Moya-Gonzalez, a 32-year-old transient. Officers observed soot on his hands, singed arm hair, and located additional lighters on his person. Based on his proximity to the fire, the observations made by investigators and officers, and corroborating evidence located at the scene, Moya-Gonzalez was arrested and booked for the following offenses: 

• 451(d) PC – Arson 

• 1203.2(a) PC – Violation of probation 

The Santa Rosa Fire Department and Santa Rosa Police Department remind the community that dry seasonal vegetation can create dangerous fire conditions, allowing even small fires to spread rapidly and threaten lives, property, and critical transportation corridors. 

Community members are encouraged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activity, including individuals seen starting fires, handling fire-starting materials in high-risk areas, or behaving suspiciously near open vegetation. Anyone who observes suspicious activity should call 9-1-1 if there is an immediate threat or call the SRPD non-emergency line at 707-528-5222 to report suspicious activity. The quick reporting of fires and suspicious activity by community members plays a critical role in preventing larger incidents and keeping Santa Rosa safe.  

Anyone with information about this fire, or other recent fires, is encouraged to contact the SRPD Property Crimes Investigations Team tipline at 707-543-3575 or submit a tip anonymously at www.srcity.org/CrimeTips.   

Santa Rosa Police Department case number 26-8103. 

Media inquiries for SRPD can be directed to Sgt. Patricia Seffens, Public Information Officer, at 707-543-3634 or pseffens@srcity.org.  

Media inquiries for SRFD can be directed to Division Chief Fire Marshal Paul Lowenthal at 707-543-3542 or plowenthal@srcity.org.