Sign in

Arson suspect arrested in Azusa park amid ongoing LA wildfires

Azusa police arrested a man late Friday night on suspicion of starting a brush fire at Pioneer Park, located at 1360 N. Dalton Avenue. Officers responded to the scene around 11:30 p.m. after a witness reported the fire and identified a suspect lingering nearby.

The suspect, Jose Carranza-Escobar, described by police as a “transient with a last known address in Azusa,” was discovered standing close to the flames.

According to authorities, Carranza-Escobar admitted to starting the fire and was taken into custody without resistance. Los Angeles County firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, preventing it from spreading further.

Investigation Underway

Authorities are currently evaluating the extent of damage caused by the fire. The case has been referred to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s arson unit, and officials anticipate presenting evidence early next week to determine formal charges.

While Southern California is grappling with several large-scale wildfires, including the Eaton Fire and the Pacific Palisades wildfire, Carranza-Escobar is not believed to be connected to these major incidents.

Ongoing Wildfires in Southern California

The region is facing a wildfire crisis, with multiple fires ravaging large swaths of land. The Eaton Fire in Altadena has burned over 14,000 acres, while the Pacific Palisades wildfire has scorched approximately 24,000 acres in West Los Angeles. Together, these fires have caused widespread destruction, claiming at least 24 lives and displacing thousands of residents.

Azusa, situated just 16 miles east of Altadena, is in close proximity to areas severely impacted by these wildfires, intensifying local concerns about fire safety and prevention.

Mayor Karen Bass Responds

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass addressed the ongoing wildfire devastation in a video message released over the weekend. She extended her condolences to victims and praised the tireless efforts of first responders.

“I’ve seen the devastation. It is unbelievable the amount of loss that people have experienced,” Bass stated. She also highlighted her visit to the Sylmar Command Post, where she witnessed firefighters successfully containing fires in some areas.

Bass emphasized the resilience of Los Angeles residents and reaffirmed the city’s commitment to recovery efforts.

Collaborative Efforts to Combat the Fires

As wildfires continue to spread across Los Angeles County, a broad coalition of responders has mobilized to tackle the crisis.

This includes not only public firefighters but also private firefighting teams and prison inmates, who have joined forces to protect communities and critical infrastructure.

The fires, which ignited last week, have left a trail of destruction, causing billions of dollars in damages. Hundreds of homes have been destroyed, and air quality in affected areas remains hazardous.