Man suspected of starting Loma Fire appears in court

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The man accused of starting the Loma Fire near TV Hill in Santa Barbara appeared in court by video Wednesday morning.

23-year-old Victor Hernandez was arrested the night the fire broke out.

Video of Hernandez was now allowed to be taken during his preliminary hearing Wednesday.

The Loma Fire started on the side of TV Hill at Loma Alta Drive. Due to high winds and the speed of the fire's spread, multiple neighborhoods on and around the hill were evacuated and several off-duty officers were called into assist. The NewsChannel 3-12 newsroom was among the buildings evacuated.

The fire burned about nine acres and 100% containment was reached the following week.

Hernandez previously pleaded not guilty at his arraignment. He will appear in court in person on June 18.