Suspected Arsonist Arrested Near Road 400 Fire
July 2, 2025 – Madera County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on Monday, June 30th, deputies responded to a vegetation fire near Road 400 and Adobe Ranch. While battling the blaze, a CalFire crew spotted a man fleeing from a second ignition point. Thanks to quick coordination, Deputy Brendan Johnson located the suspect vehicle and detained 39-year-old Abel Joel Garcia Zarate of Biola.
Zarate was found in possession of items consistent with fire starting, and CalFire investigators determined the second fire to be intentionally set…