Arson possibly responsible for series of small fires in Merced, fire officials say

Authorities are investigating possible arson, after a series of small fires in Merced on Monday.

At about 4:30 p.m., firefighters responded to a brush fire along the bank of Bear Creek in the area of 28th Street, according to Merced City Fire Department Battalion Chief Mickey Brunelli. A short time later, firefighters responded to another brush fire along the bank of Bear Creek near Park Place.

Firefighters then responded to a tree on fire behind the In-Shape Health Club in the 2900 block of G Street. According to Brunelli, embers from the burning tree landed on top of the In-Shape building causing minor damage to the roof’s water tight membrane. The building’s structure did not catch fire.

A short time later, firefighters responded to a brush fire near the Bear Creek Galleria located near the intersection of G Street and East North Bear Creek Drive. According to Brunelli, at one point about 19 fire personnel and six fire apparatus were dispatched to the various fire incidents with the City of Merced Fire Department requesting assistance from Cal Fire Merced County.

According to fire officials no injuries were reported and authorities continue to investigate the series of fires as well as working to identify anyone who may be responsible for setting them. Anyone with information regarding the incidents is asked to contact authorities.

This story was originally published June 20, 2022 at 6:38 PM.