A Redding man is facing charges of serial arson for allegedly setting fires in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, said U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott.
38-year-old Eric Michael Smith, is accused of setting four separate wildland fires with an untraceable cigarette lighter or pen torch, according to the Department of Justice Eastern District of California.
The fires were reportedly set during the summer between June 23 and July 29.
One of these fires started near Turntable Bay and required the temporary closure of lanes on Interstate 5, while firefighters put out the flames. Two other fires were set along Gilman Road. The fourth fire was set in the Jones Valley area, according to investigators.