Lincoln resident faces arson charges for Rocklin, Lincoln, Auburn fires

The Placer County District Attorney's Office filed a criminal complaint Wednesday afternoon against 37-year-old Ryan Dale Lapp for multiple charges of arson and possession of flammable materials, as it relates to fires allegedly started by the Lincoln resident. According to a media release from the District Attorney's office, it is alleged that the "defendant, over a few days, maliciously set fire to forest land located off of Baxter Grade Road in Auburn, McCourtney Road in Lincoln and Greenbrae Road in Rocklin." The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, (CAL FIRE) Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit (NEU) and CAL FIRE Amador-El Dorado Unit (AEU) combined efforts in an extensive investigation, according to CAL FIRE. On Saturday, at about 3:30 a.m., CAL FIRE Law Enforcement officers arrested Lapp on suspicion of arson and possession of an incendiary device. Lapp appeared in Placer County Superior Court on Wednesday afternoon, where the Public Defender's Office was appointed to represent the defendant. The defendant entered a not guilty plea and was scheduled for an early settlement conference Tuesday. The defendant is currently being held at the Placer County Jail without bail. CAL FIRE will work closely with Placer, Yuba, El Dorado and Amador County District Attorney's Offices as the case progresses, according to CAL FIRE. "As fire danger remains high across California, wildfires will continue to pose a major threat to life and property. CAL FIRE urges the public to be vigilant in their preparedness and awareness of suspicious activity," CAL FIRE Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit Chief Brian Estes and CAL FIRE Amador-El Dorado Unit Chief Mike Blankenheim jointly said. "Suspicious activity should be reported, including the time, individual's physical description and a vehicle description, including the license plate number. Always contact law enforcement and never approach a suspicious person. Anyone with information about arson is urged to contact the CAL FIRE Arson Hotline at 1-800-468-4408. Callers can remain anonymous." &zwnj; &zwnj; &zwnj;