Investigators Arrest Man in Tujunga Brush Fire : Crime: He is booked on suspicion of recklessly causing 50-acre blaze that came near several homes. No one was injured.
Arson investigators arrested a 42-year-old Tujunga man in connection with a brush fire that swept through 50 acres in the Sunland-Tujunga area Friday afternoon, coming within feet of several homes but causing no injuries and no major damage, authorities said.
Timothy James Johnston was booked on suspicion of recklessly causing a fire, a misdemeanor, said Investigator Paul Blum of the Los Angeles Fire Department’s arson section.
Fire officials would not discuss why they think Johnston was connected to the blaze, nor how the fire started at Mt. Gleason Avenue and Big Tujunga Canyon Road.
Battalion Fire Chief Roger Gillis would not confirm reports that fireworks were to blame.
“That is something they’re looking at but I don’t think they’ve proven that to be the cause of the fire,” he said.
The fire broke out at 12:59 p.m., burning through medium to heavy brush.
It was fought by almost 200 city and county firefighters, six retardant-dropping helicopters, nine hand crews and two bulldozers, said a spokesman for the city Fire Department.
The fire was put out at 2:51 p.m.
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