Follow Up on California Wildland Arson Case

Posted by: Curt Varone November 30, 2011 0

Earlier this week, we covered the case of US Forest Service firefighter Daniel Mariano Madrigal, who was charged in state court with arson for setting a wildland fire on July 25, 2010.

Madrigal’s attorney, Salvador Silva, admitted that his client set the fire but claimed it occurred accidentally when he discarded a cigarette that had burned him. The case was scheduled to go on trial this week in Rancho Cucamonga, California.

The case concluded Monday with Madrigal pleading no contest to the charges and accepting a two year prison term. Prosecutor Karen Khim was seeking a four year sentence, but was persuaded to take the two years provided Madrigal was not given credit for time already served. With good behavior credit Madrigal is expected to be released in roughly nine months.

More on the story.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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