Latest Carport Fire May Be Linked to Serial Arsonist
A carport fire in Alhambra that caused $11,000 in damage has been determined to be arson, the latest in a string of more than 20 such blazes in the San Gabriel Valley.
Investigators have not determined whether the fire, reported shortly after midnight Sunday in the 900 block of Edith Avenue, was set by the serial arsonist dubbed “the phantom,” who is suspected in many of the blazes.
No one was hurt, authorities said. Alhambra firefighters quickly gained control of the blaze and damage was contained to one vehicle, officials said.
Alhambra Fire Capt. John Cermak said the blaze was of an “incendiary” origin. A team of fire investigators from Los Angeles, Alhambra and South Pasadena is investigating.
The arsonist is believed to have set fires in Alhambra, San Gabriel and Monterey Park, while a suspected copycat has set several blazes in South Pasadena, authorities said. The fires have caused $3 million in damages but no injuries have been reported.
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