3 more arson arrests made as fire threat grows, LAPD chief says

As fire crews continue to work to extinguish deadly wildfires across Southern California, at least three more people have been arrested in recent days accused of trying to start fires in the area as dangerous winds are returning

LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell detailed the recent arrests during a Tuesday morning press conference. 

Here are the latest details: 

LA fire arson arrests

On Sunday night, North Hollywood officers arrested a person who was allegedly caught using a barbecue lighter to light fires. The suspect had an outstanding felony warrant for arson and was booked into Van Nuys Jail. 

Two additional arrests happened on Monday, McDonnell said. 

One took place at 5700 Van Nuys Boulevard around 4:30 p.m. after a person was suspected of igniting a brush fire nearby. 

Officers got there and found LAFD was already at the scene extinguishing the fire. One person was taken into custody. 

The second arrest on Monday happened at 11820 San Vicente Boulevard in West L.A.

A person was suspected of igniting a fire in a trash can, which was put out by LAFD. Witnesses directed officers to the suspect, and the man was taken into custody. 

McDonnell said security footage from a nearby business showed the suspect starting fires in the area. 

READ MORE: California Fires: Multiple people accused of arson as firestorm rages in LA

Looting charges

On Monday, LA County DA Nathan Hochman announced the first charges for alleged crimes committed during the devastating California wildfires.

Nine suspects have been charged with looting in the Palisades and Eaton fires evacuation zones, while another suspect is charged with arson in Azusa that is not related to the major wildfires.

READ MORE: 9 charged with looting in LA fires, 1 with arson, DA Hochman says

Current LA fires

The massive firefight began on Tuesday, Jan. 7 with the Palisades Fire breaking out on the west side of Los Angeles. Since then, several other major fires have broken out in Los Angeles County, including the Eaton Fire in the Altadena and Pasadena area.

Cal Fire reported containment of the Palisades Fire at 17% and the Eaton Fire at 35% on Tuesday.

A fire broke out in Ventura County on Monday near the Santa Clara River, being called the Auto Fire, which has prompted some school and road closures. 

The Source: Information in this article was taken from LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell’s public comments during a Jan. 14, 2025, press conference. Information about the fires currently burning was taken from CalFire and previous FOX 11 reportings. 

Crime and Public SafetyWildfiresLos Angeles