A 38-year-old man has been arrested after a Sept. 8 fire along a popular bike route that spread onto city property and damaged nearby vehicles, officials said. The case highlights immediate concerns about trail safety and wildfire danger in the San Luis Obispo area as investigators continue their work.
The blaze began along the Bob Jones Trail, a paved bike path north of Los Osos Valley Road. Fire crews contained the flames, but smoke and heat carried the fire onto adjacent municipal land and caused damage to several parked vehicles.
Firefighters who responded to the scene raised alarms about the circumstances of the ignition and requested police assistance. The San Luis Obispo Police Department joined the response with aid from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and county personnel.
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Investigators initially detained another person but released that individual as evidence pointed elsewhere. Detectives then identified and arrested John Rorabough, 38, who — according to the police department — is known to frequent the area and is unhoused.
Rorabough was booked into the San Luis Obispo County Jail on felony counts under California Penal Code sections 451(c) and 451(d), covering the arson of a structure or forest land and the arson of property, respectively.
- Date: Sept. 8
- Location: Bob Jones Trail, north of Los Osos Valley Road
- Suspect: John Rorabough, 38, San Luis Obispo resident
- Charges: Penal Code 451(c) and 451(d) — felony arson counts
- Agencies involved: San Luis Obispo Fire Department, San Luis Obispo Police Department, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, San Luis Obispo County
- Impact: Fire spread to city property and damaged nearby vehicles; trail access status not yet confirmed
Authorities have not released further details about how the fire was started or whether any injuries occurred. The police department is withholding additional comment while the investigation continues.
Arson charges in California can carry severe penalties, especially when a blaze threatens public land or infrastructure, underlining why officials treat such incidents seriously during dry seasons. Local users of the trail should expect possible closures or increased enforcement while investigators complete the scene work.
This is an active investigation; officials have said they will provide updates as new information becomes available.
