Two citizens who attempted to extinguish a blaze in rural Arroyo Grande Monday night found a disoriented man standing naked dangerously close to the fire. Authorities later arrested the man, 49-year-old Ezequiel Cisneros, for arson. [KSBY]

Around 7 p.m., a fire broke out on a hillside near Talley Farms, which is located in the 2900 block of Lopez Drive. Ryan Talley, co-owner of Talley Farms, said he saw the flames and alerted his employee, Gosafat Ferreira, that he needed help extinguishing the fire. Meanwhile, Talley’s wife called 911.

Ferreira jumped up immediately in just his shorts and t-shirt, put on his boots, went down to the farm and got a water truck, Talley said. At the fire, Talley and Ferreira saw a white minivan and Cisneros, who was standing naked close to the flames.

The farm owner and worker started spraying water from the truck on the flames. As Ferreira was spraying water, Talley yelled at Cisneros, who did not respond. The two citizens approached the van and sprayed the vehicle.

Talley and Ferreira tried to keep Cisneros from getting hurt as they attempted to put out the fire. However, Cisneros was not cognizant of his surroundings, they said.

Eventually the van caught fire, and Ferreira used a fire extinguisher to put out the flames. Ferreira snatched the keys out of Cisneros’ hands, jumped in the van and moved it back, he said. Talley said a neighbor who was in the area managed to pull Cisneros away from the fire.

Cal Fire crews arrived 20 to 30 minutes following the initial 911 call and helped extinguished the blaze, which burned a total of two acres.

Witnesses said that prior to the fire being extinguished they feared significant devastation, as there was dry brush in the area and power lines overhead.

As of Wednesday morning, Cisneros is in San Luis Obispo County Jail on a single charge of arson. His bail is set at $50,000.