Corte Madera Marshlands Fire: Transient Suspect Arrested on Arson Charges
– By Jim Emerson
CORTE MADERA, CA — Marin County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a transient for allegedly
starting a marshlands fire on March 7.
Raul Lopez, 53, remains in custody at Marin County Jail pending arraignment.
Deputies responded to reports of a vegetation fire in Corte Madera at approximately 7:48 p.m.
Upon arrival, they observed a small fire burning in dry brush and marshlands grass, near the
100 block of Lucky Drive.
About 400-square-feet of marshlands burned before the Central Marin Fire Department
extinguished the blaze within about 10 minutes. Light-industrial and office buildings
considered at risk nearby were not damaged, nor were any injuries reported.
Deputies found Lopez in the vicinity and described him as being severely intoxicated. He was
found in possession of incriminating materials allegedly used to ignite the fire. Lopez is known
to frequent Corte Madera and San Rafael, near Lucky Drive and Highway 101.
Lopez was placed under arrest and booked for arson, public intoxication, and outstanding
bench warrants.
An identification check revealed his outstanding warrants for failure to
appear, involving prior arrests for trespassing, and public intoxication multiple times.
In February, Lopez was arrested four times for public intoxication in Napa County.
Lopez was considered a high-priority arrest target in relation to prior charges filed against
him. His history of “no-shows” resulted in a no-bond hold related to warrants stemming from
his prior arrests. Consequently, he remains in custody on a no-bond hold, pending
arraignment.
