LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Pointing to damaging arson fires in Lake County and other parts of the state, Senate Majority Leader Mike McGuire has introduced a new bill to give prosecutors the ability to pursue tougher sentences for cases of aggravated arson.

On Wednesday, McGuire introduced Senate Bill 281.

In a statement on the bill, McGuire’s office noted, “The alarm couldn’t be louder. Our state is facing unprecedented, destructive wildfires — 14 of the largest 20 wildfires in California history have occurred just in the last decade.”

McGuire said megafires have threatened the way of life for millions of Californians. Some of these horribly destructive wildfires have been set by arsonists.

That’s why he announced the introduction of SB 281, which is meant to extend California's law that throws the book at individuals who are convicted of aggravated arson.

This is an issue that McGuire has championed for years, because some of California’s most destructive wildfires and commercial fires have been started by arsonists.

Among those fires was the 2016 Clayton fire that burned tens of thousands of acres near Lower Lake and destroyed 300 structures, including 189 homes. In September 2019, Clearlake resident Damin Anthony Pashilk was sentenced to more than 15 years in state prison for setting that fire.

McGuire also pointed to the July 2021 fire set by Clearlake Oaks resident Tori Elizabeth Brannon that destroyed or damaged 11 buildings in Clearlake Oaks.

Other arson fires McGuire referenced were the massive five-alarm fire that destroyed a Home Depot in San Jose, causing more than $17 million in damages and the Hopkins fire in Mendocino County that destroyed 30 homes and burned 257 acres.

“An aggravated arson charge is reserved for the worst of the worst — the most heinous arsonists who exhibit specific intent to inflict damage and destruction in our communities or who are a continuing threat to society. We need to ensure this groundbreaking public safety law remains in place and we’ll be fighting to get this bill passed working alongside first responders and district attorneys from across the Golden State,” McGuire said.

There are three possible ways to be convicted of aggravated arson: Any prior arson convictions within the last 10 years; damage or destruction of five or more inhabited structures; or damage and other losses and fire suppression costs in excess of $8.3 million.

“This legislation will provide district attorneys across California with the tools needed to properly punish repeat criminals who wreak havoc in our communities through death and destruction,” said Sonoma County District Attorney Carla Rodriguez. “Aggravated arson affects the well-being of all Californians and should be addressed accordingly. We look forward to working with Sen. McGuire to see SB 281 across the finish line."