Cal Fire investigators are seeking information about two suspected arsonists who were caught Saturday setting fires on the walking trail beneath the Foresthill Bridge in Placer County.
Firefighters battled the fire after it burned three acres near the Lake Clementine Trail. Images shared by Cal Fire’s Nevada-Yuba-Placer unit showed plumes of smoke billowing from the steep, wooded canyon where the blaze started.
The Foresthill Bridge spans the North Fork of the American River, east of Auburn. Below the bridge, the river meets the Middle Fork of the American River. The bridge is the highest in the state, standing more than 730 feet above the river. It is a popular recreation area in the Sierra Nevada foothills.
This summer, Placer County officials announced that the bridge would undergo ultrasonically testing to ensure that its 282 welds are secure. The $6.3 million preventive maintenance project on the 51-year-old bridge.
On September 14, 2024 at approximately 5:30pm, a fire was deliberately set under the Foresthill Bridge. Two individuals were seen fleeing the area towards the car park at the river confluence after setting the fire along the footpath directly under the bridge. photo.twitter.com/Co2pg0BD5o
— CAL FIRE Nevada-Yuba Placer Unit (@CALFIRENEU) September 15, 2024
The two people who left the area walked toward the Confluence parking lot after starting the fire around 5:30 p.m., Cal Fire said. The fire was under control in less than an hour.
Authorities said anyone with information about the suspects or the fire should contact detectives at 530-889-0111, extension 1022.
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free, anonymous help to anyone in crisis and their loved ones. Access the 24-hour hotline by calling or texting 988. A live chat is available at 988lifeline.org. WellSpace Health, which operates the universal service in the capital region, can also be reached at 916-368-3111 or by texting HOPE to 916-668-4226.
