07/29/2008 GAAS:584:08 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Print Version | Email / Share
Gov. Schwarzenegger Announces $50,000 Reward toward Arrest and Conviction of Arsonist
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced a $50,000 reward for information leading toward the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for setting the Humboldt Fire in Butte County.
Full text of the proclamation:
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, more than 2,000 fires have erupted in California since May 22, 2008; and
WHEREAS, the Humboldt Fire in Butte County has caused more than 23,500 acres to burn, forced evacuations, and destroyed more than 87 homes; and
WHEREAS, in response to the fires, I issued a proclamation of emergency for 12 counties, including Butte County, and the President of the United States has declared an emergency in the State of California; and
WHEREAS, state and local officials have determined the cause of the Humboldt Fire is arson; and
WHEREAS, the Governor is authorized by Penal Code section 1547(a) to offer rewards up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person who commits arson; and
WHEREAS, Butte County Fire Chief Henri Brachais has asked that a state reward be offered to encourage individuals with information about this crime to contact law enforcement; and
WHEREAS, rewards often encourage public cooperation essential to apprehend those who have committed serious offenses; and
WHEREAS, the reward will be paid in accordance with Penal Code section 1547.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, Governor of the State of California, do hereby offer, effective immediately, a reward in the amount of $50,000 for new information, voluntarily given hereafter, leading to the arrest and conviction in a California court of the person or persons responsible for setting the Humboldt Fire.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed at Sacramento, California this 29th day of July 2008.
ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER
Governor, State of California
ATTEST:
DEBRA BOWEN
Secretary of State
