Police had released Steven Robles, 30, from custody this year after serving nine years for starting a series of fires in 1997. Officials said Robles worked 30 hours with the Ranchita Volunteer Fire Department before forestry and fire officials recognized him, the Los Angeles Times reported Sunday.

Gary Loyd, a volunteer fire chief with the Ranchita department, said Robles did not raise suspicion while helping firefighters control area wildfires in the southern California area.

Officials returned Robles for parole violation. There is nothing in his parole terms preventing him from serving as a volunteer provided he informs his parole officer.

Psychiatrists in his 1997 trial did not label Robles a pyromaniac, noting his motive focused on becoming a hero for performing as a firefighter.