The man suspected of starting the Southern California fires that forced 20,000 people to evacuate allegedly sent a warning text to a volunteer fire chief two weeks ago that read," The place is going to burn".
The Holy Fire started Monday in the Cleveland National Forest's Holy Jim Canyon and has destroyed over a dozen structures.
The volunteer fire chief, Mike Milligan, in contact with the suspect explained that he's known the suspect, Forrest Gordon Clark, for many years and has warned for a long time that he is a danger to the community.
Clark is being held at the Orange County Jail on $1 million bail and is expected to make a court appearance Friday.
He is charged with aggravated arson, arson of inhabited property, arson of forest, criminal threats, two counts of resisting and deterring an executive officer and arson burning multiple structures.
The charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison.
The Holy Fire burns across Orange and Riverside counties, two of the state's most populous, and as of this Thursday morning scorched more than 9,600 acres. The fire is only 5% contained.
Schools have been closed in Menifee, Perris and Lake Elsinore, but the Fire Department feels confident that favorable conditions this weekend will help in the battle against the blaze.
Some small communities in Riverside County are under mandatory evacuation orders affecting about 7,000 residential structures, according to authorities.
Firefighters are urging people to obey evacuation orders and remained prepared if the fire begins to spread into their area.
We hope everyone follows the correct orders and stays safe during this scary time!