SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — Cal Fire investigators have arrested Ruben Vasquez on multiple felony arson charges following an investigation into two wildfires that ignited on January 21, 2025.
The fires, known as the Pala Fire and Lilac Fire, broke out 25 minutes apart near Interstate 15 and State Route 76 in the Pala Mesa and Bonsall areas. Together, the fires burned nearly 100 acres and forced evacuations affecting hundreds of residents.
Witness reports and investigative efforts led authorities to identify Vasquez as the suspect. On February 28, he was arrested on two counts of felony arson and transported to the Vista Detention Facility. The case will be referred to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution…