Arsonist lights his own house on fire in Bonny Doon

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man they say lit his own house on fire.

The Bonny Doon home located on Warren Drive was fully engulfed in flames Sunday.

Firefighters with the Felton Fire Department and Cal Fire were able to extinguish the flames.

While fighting this fire, several other small spot fires ignited nearby.

“Cal Fire and deputies investigated the fires and found evidence of arson,” said Sgt. Brian Cleveland.

The accused arsonist and resident of the home was identified as Peter Abate.

Abate was arrested by Cal Fire and booked into the Santa Cruz County Jail for arson.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call Cal Fire investigators at 831-335-5353.

“We are grateful for the hard work by the Felton Fire Protection District and CAL FIRE for putting these fires out so quickly and preventing the fire from spreading to other homes nearby.”