Two more firebugs are being charged as LA's new tough-on-crime DA intensifies the battle against looters and arsonists.
At least 24 people have been killed by the wildfires in Los Angeles within the past week.
In Southern California, two men have been charged with felony arson in unrelated cases as authorities fight against firebugs, looters, and multiple raging blazes.
Over the weekend, various incidents occurred in different regions of Los Angeles County, as per the district attorney's office.
A 37-year-old man was arrested and held on $350,000 bail for allegedly setting fire to a stack of wooden pallets behind a shipping yard in the City of Industry on Saturday afternoon. The flames spread to a tractor-trailer and some surrounding bushes, authorities said. If convicted, he could face up to seven years in prison.
In Rivergrade Road, Irwindale, 27-year-old Ruben Michael Montes is being held on $400,000 bail for allegedly setting fire under the Interstate 605 overpass. Despite being on probation at the time of the incident, he faces up to 14 years in prison if convicted.
"Nathan Hochman, District Attorney, stated in a message that justice will be served for the victims and brave first responders who risked their lives during the fires. Anyone considering similar acts will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
He stated that his department had recently charged 10 individuals with looting or arson and vowed to intensify efforts to combat crime.
A homeless man in California was arrested by police for suspected arson amidst the ongoing battle against deadly wildfires.
Wildfires are causing unprecedented hardship for the people of Los Angeles County, with homes being destroyed, families displaced, and lives tragically lost, according to Hochman.
"My Office will not tolerate individuals who exploit this tragedy by committing heinous acts of arson or looting while first responders and residents work tirelessly to save lives and property. We will continue to put relentless pressure on those who threaten the safety and security of our county."
On Tuesday, Hochman and District Attorney Todd Spitzer from Orange County joined forces to urge Gov. Gavin Newsom to classify looting as a felony.
Arson attacks have sparked the interest of law enforcement and average citizens alike.
An illegal immigrant was confronted by "Chicago Fire" actor Brian J. White and his neighbors last week, resulting in a citizen's arrest.
On Monday, a homeless man in Azusa was charged with arson after neighbors saw him lighting a brush fire in a park near their homes. The police officer arrived and placed him in handcuffs at the scene.
"Azusa PD advises caution against individuals who may enter the community with the intention of starting fires, as fires continue to affect the county, according to Azusa Capt. Rob Landeros' statement over the weekend."
Firefighters quickly put that fire out, according to authorities.
One of the suspected arsonists admitted to police that he enjoyed the scent of burning leaves during another unrelated arson incident, according to Jim McDonnell of the local ABC affiliate.
At least 24 people have been killed by multiple wildfires in Los Angeles over the past week, and the death toll is predicted to increase.
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