Amid worries of new wildfires, man is suspected of starting a fire in Azusa park
A 39-year-old man admittedly ignited a fire in Azusa’s Pioneer Park on Friday night before two residents approached him and called authorities, according to police.
On Friday, Jan. 10 at around 11:30 p.m., Azusa police officers responded to a reported brush fire at Pioneer Park, 1360 North Dalton Avenue, at Sierra Madre Avenue and east of San Gabriel Canyon Road. Officers were notified upon arrival that the suspect was still at the scene, according to a police news release.
A man identified as Jose Carranza-Escobar, a transient with a last known address in Azusa, was standing next to the flames when officers located him, according to authorities. Officers quickly detained Carranza as Los Angeles County Fire Department crews arrived to rapidly put out the fire.
Carranza-Escobar admitted to starting the intentional fire during the police investigation and was arrested on suspicion of arson, according to Azusa Police Capt. Robert Landeros. He was subsequently booked into a local jail and is currently being held in custody.
Azusa Public Works along with Azusa Light and Water were assessing the damage caused by the fire. The investigation was ongoing.
The fire broke out as crews were fighting the devastating Palisades and Eaton fires, and other fires that broke out in Los Angeles County this week amid windy conditions.
“Azusa PD urges everyone to remain alert as fires continue to affect the county. We must be cautious of individuals who may enter our community with the intent to start fires. The Azusa Police Department has staffed extra officers on duty due to the ongoing fire situation,” stated the news release.
“Azusa PD is taking a zero tolerance approach to these types of crimes,” said Capt. Landeros.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office has assigned a prosecutor from the arson unit to the case.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Azusa Police Department at 626-812-3200 or to submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).