A California college professor has been arrested, charged with arson in connection with one of a series of suspected arson fires set near the state’s massive Dixie Fire, authorities said, according to reports. Gary Maynard, 47, reportedly taught courses at Santa Clara University and Sonoma State University, FOX 40 of Sacramento reported, citing information from Maynard’s bio page on the Sonoma State website. The three most recent fires, including the Ranch Fire, started in the area of the Dixie Fire, the report said. "He was a part-time lecturer in the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice," a Sonoma State spokeswoman wrote to the Bee in an email. "He was employed with Sonoma State University in Fall 2020, but did not have an appointment for Spring 2021.

Source: Fox News August 11, 2021 03:33 UTC