Community
Police investigating fire possibly caused by negligence
On the above date and time, Petaluma PD and Petaluma FD responded to a report of a fire and a suspect seen leaving the area, where the fire started. The first officers on scene contacted, Suspect Evans, in the parking lot near the Petaluma Marina. Evans was found with 2nd and 3rd Degree burns to his hands, legs and head. Petaluma FD paramedics responded, and Evans was transported to Petaluma Valley Hospital. Evans told officers, he was camping in the area of Shollenberger Park, and discarded a cigarette on the ground. The cigarette was apparently still lite and ignited the dry grass and bushes in the area. Evans said he attempted to put out the fire with a bottle of water, his feet and his sleeping bag. The fire quickly grew, and Evans said he was not able to extinguish the fire. Evans left the area without attempting to report the fire. Petaluma FD had difficulty getting to the fire because of the limited vehicle access. The fire burned approximately 2 acres and was extinguished within about an hour. Evans was not placed under arrest, but the incident is under investigation by both the police and fire departments. Evans was being transported to a local Burn Unit for further medical attention.
Police investigating fire possibly caused by negligence 
Incident: Police investigating fire possibly caused by negligence
Report Number: 19-4178
Occurred Date : October 3, 2019
Occurred Time: 11:34 AM
Location: Shollenberger Park-Petaluma
Suspect(s): Robert J. Evans, 52-year-old, transient
Incident Summary
On the above date and time, Petaluma PD and Petaluma FD responded to a report of a fire and a suspect seen leaving the area, where the fire started. The first officers on scene contacted, Suspect Evans, in the parking lot near the Petaluma Marina. Evans was found with 2nd and 3rd Degree burns to his hands, legs and head. Petaluma FD paramedics responded, and Evans was transported to Petaluma Valley Hospital. Evans told officers, he was camping in the area of Shollenberger Park, and discarded a cigarette on the ground. The cigarette was apparently still lite and ignited the dry grass and bushes in the area. Evans said he attempted to put out the fire with a bottle of water, his feet and his sleeping bag. The fire quickly grew, and Evans said he was not able to extinguish the fire. Evans left the area without attempting to report the fire. Petaluma FD had difficulty getting to the fire because of the limited vehicle access. The fire burned approximately 2 acres and was extinguished within about an hour. Evans was not placed under arrest, but the incident is under investigation by both the police and fire departments. Evans was being transported to a local Burn Unit for further medical attention.
Address/Location
Petaluma Police Department
969 Petaluma Blvd N
Petaluma, CA 94952
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 707-778-4372
TEXT-A-TIP - Text TIP PETPD followed by your message, to 888777
