Lookout Fire Arson Arrest
August 26, 2024 – Oakhurst, CA – CAL FIRE Law Enforcement Investigators in conjunction with Madera County Sheriff’s Department and 
Madera County District Attorney’s Office have arrested Pao Xiong. Xiong was arrested for igniting approximately 14 separate fires, including multiple structures that occurred on Deadwood Mountain in Oakhurst, CA. The fires all occurred on Friday, July 19, 2024, beginning at approximately 10:43 PM.
Throughout the investigation CAL FIRE Law Enforcement and Madera County Sheriff’s Department was aware Xiong had left the Oakhurst area after the fires occurred on Friday, July 19, 2024. Throughout the entire investigation, public safety was the primary concern for all Law Enforcement involved.
Xiong a resident of Oakhurst for approximately the past eight years, was arrested Thursday, August 22, 2024, on multiple felony arson charges. The investigation report has been referred to the Madera County District Attorney’s Office. CAL FIRE would like to take this opportunity to remind the public, crimes of this nature take significant time, not only for the arrest, but for the evidence collection and processing.
CAL FIRE would like to thank the public for their support and patience during this joint comprehensive investigation between CAL FIRE Law Enforcement, Madera County Sheriff’s Department, Madera County District Attorney’s Office and California Department of Justice Bureau of Forensic Services.
Source: CAL FIRE Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit
Related: CAL FIRE Issues Investigation Update on the Lookout Fire in Oakhurst and Recent Fires in the Area