Police say they have arrested a man on suspicion of intentionally starting a wildfire in Azusa.
According to the Azusa Police Department, first responders were called to Pioneer Park just after 11:30 p.m. Friday. There, witnesses told officers the man who started the fire was still at the scene.
Officers were able to locate the suspect standing near the flames. The man, identified as Jose Carranza Escobar, was taken into custody and later admitted to starting the fire. Escobar, a temporary resident, was arrested on suspicion of arson.
Los Angeles County Fire Department was able to quickly extinguish the fire.
Friday’s arson charge comes as authorities search for a person seen near the site of the Kenneth Fire in West Hills. The San Fernando Valley wildfires come as thousands of Los Angeles County residents remain under evacuation orders due to several wildfires that have broken out over the past week while high wind warnings are in place. Southern California’s two largest fires, the Palisades Fire in West LA and the Eaton Fire in Altadena, claimed 11 lives and both destroyed hundreds of buildings.
“The Azusa Police Department urges everyone to remain vigilant as fires continue to impact the county,” the department said in a social media post. “We must be wary of persons who may enter our communities with the intent of starting fires.As the fires continue, the Azusa Police Department has added more officers to duty. We have a “zero tolerance” attitude towards this type of criminal activity. ”
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Azusa Police Department at 626-812-3200. Anonymous tips can be provided by contacting Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS.
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