3 Arrested on Suspicion of Multiple Arson in O.C.

Three teens suspected of setting dozens of brush and trash-bin fires in north Orange County were arrested Thursday after allegedly igniting a blaze in front of a Fullerton home, police said.

The teens admitted starting Thursday’s fire on Knepp Avenue, as well as about 25 of the 35 small brush fires sparked this month in Anaheim, Brea, Buena Park, Fullerton and Placentia, said Fullerton Police Sgt. Linda King.

“We don’t suspect them for any structure fires,” King said. “We believe they’re responsible for shrubberies and trash fires.”

Police arrested Luis Fernando Hernandez, 19, Mariela Yuriana Camacho, 18, and a 17-year-old boy whose name was not released because of his age. All three live in Fullerton, police said. Although the boy was released to his parents, Hernandez and Camacho were being held at Fullerton City Jail on suspicion of arson, King said. They will be arraigned Monday and bail is pending, she said.

An officer stopped Hernandez’s car shortly after midnight Thursday for driving without headlights, King said. Officers later found three trees on fire about 1 1/2 blocks away, and called in firefighters.

The teens were arrested after officers searched the car and found items believed to have been used in starting the fire.

The Orange County fires were set late at night or in the early morning in trash cans or trees near businesses and residences, King said. No injuries have been reported. The motive for setting the fires is unclear, she said.