Reward offered for tips about 13 Santa Rosa grass fires

A $2,500 reward is being offered to help police arrest and convict the person who started 13 grass fires in Santa Rosa on Saturday night.

Santa Rosa firefighters responded to a call just before midnight about fires burning in the grass next to the railroad tracks between Hearn and Barham avenues. While crews were dousing those flames, additional fires were discovered about a mile north near North Dutton Avenue and West Third Street, and along the Santa Rosa Creek Trail from North Dutton Avenue to Fulton Road 2 miles west, the fire department said.

No structures were damaged, and no injuries were reported. The investigation is ongoing, but Assistant Fire Marshal Ian Hardage said it appeared someone may have used a lighter to spark fires as they moved along the trail.

Police and fire officials are investigating possible connections between similar fires in Graton earlier this month, Santa Rosa police Sgt. Marcus Sprague said.

The reward is being offered by the Sonoma County Alliance's 'Take Back Our Community' program, Sprague said.

'This is one of those kinds of cases that's going to be solved by us partnering with the community,' he said. 'Arsons are usually very difficult, in general, and this one is in a rural area at night.'

Those with information can contact Santa Rosa Police Department's Property Crimes Investigation Team at 707-543-3575.