Los Angeles police make multiple arson arrests as wildfire areas remain under scrutiny

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has taken three people into custody for arson, occurring outside the recent wildfire areas. 

Chief Jim McDonnell reported that the arrests, made in the last few days, were connected to fires outside the areas impacted by the Palisades and Eaton wildfires. He credited tips from local residents for helping make the arrests possible, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

On January 12 night, officers from the North Hollywood area responded to a report of a potential arson suspect who was using a BBQ lighter to start fires. The individual was arrested for an outstanding felony warrant related to arson and booked into the Van Nuys jail, according to Chief McDonnell. The second arrest took place on January 13 afternoon at 5700 Van Nuys Blvd.

West Valley officers were alerted to a possible arson suspect who had ignited nearby brush. Upon arrival, they found Los Angeles Fire Department personnel extinguishing the flames. The suspect was arrested and booked into the Van Nuys jail.

On January 13, another suspect was apprehended near San Vicente Boulevard in West LA after officers received a report that someone had set a trash can on fire, which was quickly extinguished by the Los Angeles Fire Department. Bystanders helped direct officers to the suspect, who was arrested and booked for arson without incident. McDonnell stated that footage from local businesses showed the individual starting fires in the area. 

“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,” McDonnell said at a news conference.

To enhance security, the LAPD and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department have increased patrols and personnel in areas affected by the fires. A curfew has been implemented, and National Guard members have been called in to prevent looting and theft while residents remain evacuated.

The LAPD has arrested 14 individuals in or near fire zones, while the sheriff's department has taken 39 into custody. Not all arrests were related to looting or burglary; some were made for curfew violations, possession of firearms, and narcotics. LA County Sheriff Robert Luna has provided daily updates on the arrest numbers, which have risen since the weekend. 

Southern California is preparing for more strong Santa Ana winds overnight, following several wildfires last week that caused significant damage and destroyed thousands of structures.

The Palisades Fire, a roaring blaze that has burned nearly 20,000 acres since it broke out on January 7 morning in the affluent Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, is currently the largest wildfire in the region. It grew out of a brush fire that exploded as powerful winds ripped through the area.

Wildfires surrounding Los Angeles intensified on January 8, spreading to the iconic Hollywood Hills, leaving devastation in their wake. Wildfires ravaging the Los Angeles area have destroyed multiple celebrity homes and disrupted Hollywood's busy awards season. California firefighters continue battling the fires, with strong winds exacerbating the situation. The fires have destroyed iconic landmarks, including the historic Will Rogers ranch and parts of the Palisades Charter High School.

By Naila Huseynova