MARIPOSA COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- The man accused of intentionally setting the Oak Fire was released from the Mariposa County jail in a wheelchair on Monday, now watched by law enforcement through the use of an ankle monitor.

The release of 73-year-old Edward Wackerman upset many in the community who are still dealing with the fire's devastation.

"It's a slap in the face," Oak Fire victim, Jacob Hawley, said.

Wackerman is accused of starting the Oak Fire in July 2022, burning over 19,000 acres, destroying 127 homes and shattering generations of Mariposa residents.

"A lot of families are still not in their homes yet," Hawley explained. "They still don't have power to these homes that these people lost. Living in trailers on generators."

Jacob Hawley was one of many whose life was fore

See Full Page