Lodi investigates two arson fires at commercial properties

On September 1, 2024, fire crews in Lodi responded to two significant fires at commercial properties, both of which are being investigated as arson. The first incident occurred early in the morning along N. Sacramento Street, where a commercial building was fully engulfed in flames, prompting a second alarm response. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries, although some firefighters experienced heat exhaustion during the operation. Later that day, a fire broke out at Pacific Coast Producers on S Stockton Street, starting in a pallet stack and escalating to a four-alarm fire that produced heavy smoke. Firefighters from Lodi, along with assistance from local and regional districts, worked tirelessly to extinguish the blaze, utilizing thousands of gallons of water. As the investigation progressed, police arrested 41-year-old Francisco Castillo, a Stockton resident, in connection with the Pacific Coast Producers fire. He faces multiple charges, including arson, loitering, and possession of drug paraphernalia. The relationship between the two fires remains unclear, and authorities are continuing their investigation. The Lodi Fire Department, Lodi Police Department, and the San Joaquin County Investigation Unit are collaborating on the case. They urge anyone with information regarding the incidents to come forward, as the community seeks to understand the motives behind these destructive events.