Authorities have arrested a suspect in connection with a series of arson fires on Deadwood Mountain, the Madera County Sheriff’s Office said Monday.

Pao Xiong, 68, of Oakhurst, was taken into custody on Thursday by investigators from the sheriff’s office and CalFire’s Madera Mariposa Merced Unit.

He is believed responsible for 14 fires that burned 11 acres and four structures near Oakhurst, according to the sheriff’s office.

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Xiong was arrested at a residence in Fresno and booked into Madera County Jail. He faces 14 felony counts of arson.

“We would like to applaud the cooperative effort between investigators from the Sheriff’s Office and CalFire, as well as the diligent work conducted at the initial crime scene,” said Madera County Sheriff Tyson Pogue. “It is my great honor to ensure the residents of Deadwood that they should sleep well tonight knowing this suspect is in custody.”

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The investigation began on July 19, 2024, when CalFire responded to a fire on Deadwood Mountain.

After the fire was contained, CalFire law enforcement officials initiated an investigation, leading them to Xiong, who lived on the property where the fire originated.

As the investigation progressed, the Madera County Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Team and the Madera County Narcotic Enforcement Team were brought in to assist.

Detectives monitored Xiong and analyzed evidence, ultimately identifying him as the primary suspect, authorities said.

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