his following is a press release from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. The information has not been proven in a court of law and any individuals described should be presumed innocent until proven guilty:
On 07/18/21, at approximately 1752 hours, deputies from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist the members of the Northshore Fire Protection District with evacuations related to a structure fire in the 60th block of Hoover Street in Clearlake Oaks. Deputies remained in the area while fire personnel extinguished the fires. Five structures and six out buildings were damaged or destroyed as a result of the fire.
On 07/19/21, at approximately 0954 hours, deputies were dispatched to the 60th block of Hoover Street for a report of a woman walking up and down the street shouting at neighbors in regards to the fire that occurred the previous night. Deputies contacted a neighbor in the area that reported their neighbor, Tori Brannon, was shouting she did not owe anyone an apology for starting the fire the previous night. Brannon also made statements she would burn down all of the neighbors’ homes before leaving the area.
Deputies searched the area and contacted Brannon at a nearby business. Brannon told deputies she was attempting to dispose of old gasoline by pouring it on the ground and soaking it up with an old blanket. Brannon attempted to put the gas soaked blanket into a trash bag when a Bic lighter she was holding in her hand spontaneously sparked and ignited the blanket, causing the fire to get out of her control. Brannon said the flames blew up in her face and began shouting for someone to call 9-1-1.
Deputies and an investigator from the Northshore Fire Protection District continued to receive voluntary statements from Brannon and consent to search /collect evidence. Deputies established probable cause to arrest Brannon for 452 (B) PC- Unlawful Starting of a Fire resulting in destruction of an inhabited structure, and 454(A) PC- Unlawful Starting of A fire During a State of Emergency.
The value of the combined property loss and damage was estimated at approximately $613,500.00
Brannon was transported to the Hill Road Correctional Facility and booked on the aforementioned charges. A bail enhancement was requested from a Lake County Superior Court judge and granted in the amount of $500,000.00.
Anyone with additional information pertaining to this case is encouraged to contact Lake County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Detective Richard Kreutzer at 707-262-4200 or Richard.kreutzer@lakecountyca.gov
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