California Police Arrest Alleged Azusa Arson Suspect

Suspected arsonist in California fire.

Authorities confirm arrest.

Firefighters continue battling the blaze.

Amid a devastating wave of wildfires affecting Southern California, authorities in Azusa have arrested a man accused of starting a fire in Pioneer Park.

According to early reports, the suspect was identified as José Carranza-Escobar, though his nationality has not been confirmed.

This incident adds to the growing list of emergencies caused by flames that have ravaged several communities in the region.

The arrest occurred on Friday, January 10, around 11:40 p.m. local time.

Details of the suspected arsonist

Suspected arsonist arrested in California / Photo: The Associated Press

Officers from the Azusa Police Department (APD) found Carranza-Escobar near the location where the fire started.

According to an official statement, the man, who is homeless, confessed to starting the fire during questioning.

You may be interested in: Carlos Vela loses his home in Los Angeles fires

The fire was quickly controlled thanks to the intervention of the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

They managed to prevent the fire from spreading further in Pioneer Park, a popular area for local residents.

Carranza-Escobar was booked into the Azusa jail, where he remains in custody, reported ‘Deadline’.

The region is facing a series of wildfires exacerbated by strong winds and extreme weather conditions, creating a critical situation in various communities.

In recent days, fires in Pacific Palisades, Eaton Canyon, Malibu, and Hollywood Hills have caused havoc.

Additionally, the wildfire has forced tens of thousands of people to evacuate their homes.

According to Los Angeles County authorities, at least 11 people have lost their lives, and 13 others have been reported missing.

President Joe Biden declared the fires a major disaster, extending his visit to Los Angeles to meet with first responders and affected individuals.

“More than 100,000 people have been ordered to evacuate. It’s devastating. We are with you,” Biden said in a message shared on his social media.

In parallel to Carranza-Escobar’s arrest, another incident related to wildfires occurred in Woodland Hills.

Actor Brian J. White and a group of neighbors detained a man carrying a blowtorch near the Kenneth fire.

However, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) reported that there was insufficient evidence to charge him with arson, although he was detained for violating his probation.

This event highlights the tension felt by residents, who remain on constant alert due to the possibility of new fires in their communities.

The magnitude of the fires has been described as “potentially deadly and destructive” by emergency teams.

Wind gusts, which have exceeded 50 miles per hour, complicate the firefighters’ efforts to contain the flames.

Additionally, mass evacuations have caused a collapse in temporary shelters.

Many residents face uncertainty about the future of their properties and communities.

Authorities have intensified efforts to locate missing persons and provide assistance to the affected, reported ‘Deadline‘.

To listen to the podcast of this and other news, click on the photo.

Suspected arsonist arrested in California – Photo: MundoNOW