12 More Reseda, Northridge Fires Raise Total to 75

Twelve more fires in the Reseda-Northridge area bring to at least 75 the number of fires set by arsonists in the area since late October, the Los Angeles Fire Department said Thursday.

One admitted arsonist is in custody, but investigators are looking for one or more others.

The latest fires broke out in the general vicinity of Reseda Boulevard north of Saticoy Street between 6:30 p.m. and midnight Wednesday, Fire Inspector Ed Reed said.

In each instance, either a palm tree or a pile of rubbish was deliberately set afire, Reed said. One of the palm fires spread to the roof of a nearby home but caused only minor damage, he said. Another was set on the grounds of the Northridge Hospital Medical Center.

“The fires all appear to be linked,” said Reed, who declined to describe how the fires were started.

The latest fires appear to be linked to a rash of similar fires that have been breaking out in the same general vicinity since at least Halloween night, Reed added. A review of fire calls in the area shows at least 75 fires in the general Reseda Boulevard corridor that fit the pattern, he said.

Earlier this week, arson investigators arrested a 16-year-old Reseda boy who admitted that he started six of the fires, Reed said. But the boy denied responsibility for any others and was in custody in Sylmar Juvenile Hall when the last 16 fires were reported.

The boy, who had a history of minor vandalism and theft in the area, was arrested after he was identified by a witness at one of the fires. Officials described him as a good student who is emotionally unstable.

There was no clear motive for setting the fires. “These fires were part of his disturbance,” Reed said.

Reed said investigators may be looking for several arsonists, who may or may not know each other. “We have had two or more people doing it,” and because of similarities in the fires, at least one may be a copy-cat arsonist, he said.

The Fire Department asked residents to be alert for arsonists after nightfall.

“We need the help of the public to catch this guy,” Reed said. “We need people to keep their eyes open.”