THE MASSIVE WILDFIRE IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY, California, that directly led to the deaths of two firefighters was deliberately set, the U. S. Forest Service announced on Thursday night. As a consequence, a homicide investigation has been opened and the fire setter(s) is being actively sought.
The fire which is still burning has so far consumed over 250 sq. mi. and destroyed at least 64 homes in the Angeles National Forest and beyond. It is not expected to be contained before Sept. 15. Authorities have declined to say whether they have any suspects yet. The Associated Press has a video update on this recent development:
The Los Angeles Times reports:
Officials said they concluded that the largest brush fire in the history of Los Angeles County was deliberately set after investigators examined forensic evidence from the point of origin off Angeles Crest Highway north of La Cañada Flintridge.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca said investigators don’t want to release any details about the cause because they fear it could hurt their ability to find and prosecute the arsonist.
On Wednesday, investigators converged on a turnoff near Mile Marker 29 of Angeles Crest Highway near a scorched oak tree, using wire mesh sifters to search through the ash. Yellow tape cordoned off the area and authorities blocked the highway, turning away even Caltrans workers and earthmovers.
Sources close to the investigation told The Times that the probe has been complicated somewhat by the fact the fire burned over the point of origin twice, making evidence collection more difficult than normal.
The fire is in its eighth day now. Read more about this latest update HERE.
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