Portola resident arrested for arson; held on $250,000 bail

Portola resident Joel Walker, 35, has been arrested on arson charges and is being held on $250,000 bail.

The Plumas County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest this afternoon, May 4, following the investigation of a structure fire that occurred Monday, May 2, at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Main Street in Portola.

Units from Beckwourth Fire, Eastern Plumas Fire, and Sierra Valley Fire responded and quickly extinguished the blaze. The residence was unoccupied at the time of the fire.

The following morning, Detectives from the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office learned the previous occupant of the residence had been in the area just before the fire was reported.  Detectives began an investigation assisted by Fire Chief Russell.  It was determined through the investigation that Walker was responsible for setting the fire.  Walker was arrested for arson and violation of parole and transported to the Plumas County Correctional Center where he was booked and is being held on $250,000 bail.

Anyone with information regarding the fire is urged to call the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office at 530-283-6300.

The case will be sent to the District Attorney’s office for review.