The Morgan Hill man accused of starting a fire that almost
threatened a school is scheduled to enter a plea next week.
The Morgan Hill man accused of starting a fire that almost threatened a school is scheduled to enter a plea next week.
Israel Hernandez, 27, was charged with felony arson in relation to the Aug. 19 grass fire that started near the intersection of Peak Avenue and Noble Court, just a block from downtown Morgan Hill, according to Santa Clara County District Attorney’s office spokeswoman Lisa McCrary.
Hernandez will appear at South County Courthouse in Morgan Hill Tuesday for a plea hearing, McCrary said. He was arraigned
The only property reportedly damaged by the fire was a pile of unused utility poles at a PG&E substation on Main Avenue. However smoke and flames came within 100 yards of the Pacific Hills Manor convalescent home and St. Catherine Parish school.
Staff at the school sent students home as a result of the thick smoke created by the fire, which was extinguished by firefighters by about 12:45 p.m., less than two hours after it started.
Police said witnesses stated they saw Hernandez leaving the scene of the fire shortly after it started. He was reportedly holding a cigarette as he was walking away from the fire.
If convicted, Hernandez faces up to a three-year prison sentence.
