Jacob Heitz, a 37-year-old Amador County resident, is heading to state prison after pleading no contest to felony arson for deliberately starting the Tiger Fire in August 2025. The fire burned 118 acres and prompted mandatory evacuation orders that affected nearly 1,000 people in the area. Thankfully, no structures were damaged or destroyed, but the impact on families and the community was significant. Heitz was sentenced on July 13th to two years in state prison and must register as an arsonist for life.
The investigation was a collaborative effort involving multiple agencies including Cal Fire, the Amador County Sheriff’s Office, the Amador County District Attorney, and United States Forest Service Law Enforcement. A lighter found at the fire scene became crucial evidence in building the case against Heitz. He was arrested on February 20, 2026, after months of investigative work. This conviction demonstrates the serious consequences for those who intentionally endanger our communities during fire season and sends a clear message that arson will not be tolerated.
For Sacramento region residents, this case reinforces the importance of fire safety awareness and community vigilance. Wildfire arson remains a genuine threat to public safety, and law enforcement’s commitment to holding offenders accountable protects all of us. If you live in areas prone to wildfires, now is a good time to review your evacuation plan and ensure your family knows what to do. Have you updated your fire safety plan this year?
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
