As the wildfires in Los Angeles continue to devastate the region, four alleged arsonists have been arrested by police. Local authorities have been fielding reports of individuals accused of trying to start more fires, such as the instance in the LA suburb of West Valley in which a suspect was recently arrested and booked in the Van Nuys jail.
The fires latest reports on the fires in Southern California suggest the flames have ripped through more than 60 square miles, destroyed at least 12,000 structures, and killed at least 25 people. Dozens more are still considered missing. Tens of thousands of Los Angeles residents remain under evacuation orders as the fire rages on.
Addressing one of the arson suspects, Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said in a statement, “Officers responded to a radio call of an arson suspect at the location, who had ignited a nearby trash can, which was extinguished by the L.A. City Fire Department.” He added, “Citizens directed the officers to the suspect location where he was then taken into custody without incident. Video from local businesses showed footage of the suspect starting fires in that area. He was booked into our jail for arson.”
Moreover, reports coming out of North Hollywood indicated another possible act of arson over the weekend. McDonnell also addressed the incident, explaining that a suspect is accused of using a barbecue lighter to start fires. “We’re asking all members of our community to join us in this effort by reviewing your personal security footage. Whether from ring cameras, home security systems, or any other recording devices, even seemingly small details can make a big difference in our ongoing investigations,” McDonell said during a press conference.
The Azusa Police Department also released a statement about another suspected arsonist accused of igniting a brush fire last week. Authorities identified the suspect as Jose Carranza-Escobar, who allegedly admitted to starting the fire. “On Friday, January 10, 2025 at approximately 11:37pm, officers were dispatched to Pioneer Park, located at 1360 N. Dalton Ave., in response to a reported brush fire. Upon arrival, a witness alerted officers that the individual responsible for igniting the fire was still at the scene,” the Azusa Police Department wrote on Facebook.
The statement continued, “Officers located the adult male suspect, identified as Jose Carranza-Escobar, a transient, with a last known address in Azusa standing next to the flames. Officers quickly detained Carranza as Los Angeles County Fire arrived to extinguish the fire. Los Angeles County Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire. During the investigation, Carranza admitted to starting the fire and was arrested for Arson. He was subsequently booked at the Azusa Police Department Jail and is currently being held in custody. City of Azusa Public Works along with Azusa Light and Water are currently assessing the damage caused by the fire. The investigation is ongoing.”
Additionally, residents of the Woodland Hills neighborhood detained a man allegedly holding a blowtorch near the Kenneth fire. After being detained by police on suspicion of arson, he was identified as 33-year-old. Juan Manuel Sierra-Leyva, an illegal immigrant from Mexico. However, charges were dismissed due to a lack of probable cause.
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Watch Gavin Newsom get called out on the House floor over the fires: