A man was taken into custody late Friday night after admitting he ignited a brush fire at Pioneer Park in Azusa, California, as the Los Angeles wildfires persist, local law enforcement said on Saturday.
The Context
The arrest comes as California continues to battle multiple destructive wildfires. The Pacific Palisades fire has been roaring through Los Angeles County, spreading throughout the region spurred by powerful Santa Ana winds. The fire was estimated to cover more than 11,802 acres and has forced at least 30,000 to leave their homes.
At least three blazes are currently active in the region as of Sunday, according to California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL Fire). According to the Associated Press, the death toll of the fires has reached 16, and over 12,300 structures have been destroyed according to Cal Fire, with more at risk as weather conditions persist.
What To Know
In a Saturday press release posted to Facebook, the Azusa Police Department said officers responded to Pioneer Park shortly after 11:30 p.m. on Friday following reports of a fire. Upon arrival, a witness directed officers to a man believed to have started the blaze. The suspect, identified by police as Jose Carranza-Escobar, was found standing near the flames.
Carranza-Escobar, who police described as a transient, admitted to setting the fire. He was then arrested on suspicion of arson and is currently being held in custody…