Arson Suspect Arrested for Griffith Park Brush Fire
Los Angeles police arrested a man on Monday afternoon on suspicion of arson after a small brush fire broke out in Griffith Park under the observatory. The fire was reported just after 1 p.m. at 162 Griffith Park, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Witness Account and Police Sources
The suspect was allegedly seen by a witness setting a fire in the area, police sources reported. No other details about the suspect or the motive behind the arson were immediately available. This incident marks the ninth arrest in Southern California related to small fires following the Eaton and Palisades infernos, with investigations ongoing regarding the causes of those larger fires.
Firefighters Swift Response
Firefighters rushed to the area south of Griffith Observatory, where plumes of black smoke were visible from Hollywood and the surrounding area. Helicopters were deployed to make water drops, effectively slowing the fire’s spread after it had burned less than an acre. Fortunately, no structures were damaged in the blaze, thanks to the swift response of the firefighting teams.
Weather Conditions and Fire Risk
The fire occurred amidst a “particularly dangerous situation” wind warning in Los Angeles County and Ventura County. Peak gusts of 50-70 mph were anticipated along the coast and valleys, with isolated gusts of up to 100 mph in the mountains and foothills. Sustained winds were expected to be 25-40 mph in most areas, posing a significant risk for fire spread.
Amidst these challenging conditions, the arrest of the arson suspect brings a sense of relief to the community, knowing that swift action was taken to prevent further damage and protect the beloved Griffith Park. As investigations continue, authorities work diligently to ensure the safety and security of the public against such reckless acts.