A judge handed down a sentence last week of jail time and probation to the man police say started a fire that involved a dumpster and vegetation and threatened nearby businesses in Arroyo Grande earlier this year.
Arroyo Grande police say David Michael Bokar, 51, of Arroyo Grande, was arrested for arson after being found nearby an August 22, 2018 fire on the 1400 block of West Branch Street.
The fire was reportedly near dumpsters behind a furniture store. The hillside, trees, and dry brush were all burning with flames heading uphill toward the hotels, police said.
Smoke from the fire was visible from Highway 101.
Police say Bokar pleaded no contest Wednesday to arson and was sentenced to 180 days in jail and three years of formal probation.
