2 nabbed for arson as LA wildfire death toll climbs to 27

International

TWO more individuals have been arrested by authorities after they allegedly set small fires amidst the ceaseless combat to contain more than two huge wildfires that hit some parts of Los Angeles, California.

Authorities reported that 27 people have died and thousands have been rendered homeless after the horrifying blaze in Palisades and Eaton.

But while the firefighters continued their efforts to contain the flames, authorities were able to catch several individuals starting to lit fires in different areas.

The latest were two suspects who both admitted what they did, a CNS report stated.

Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said one individual was detained by residents in Glenoaks and Van Nuys boulevards after he was caught firing up a tree because he “liked the smell of burning leaves.”

Fortunately, residents were able to douse the fire.

Another incident happened on Santa Monica Boulevard and Vermont Avenue, where the suspect started to set fire to piles of rubbish and trash because she “enjoyed causing chaos and destruction.”

These two individuals added to the first three suspects that were arrested on Sunday and Monday in the San Fernando Valley and West Los Angeles because they allegedly set small fires in the areas.

Among the arrested is Jaime Mota, 37, who is now facing one count of felony arson of property and one count of felony arson during a state of emergency, after he allegedly set a fire in the back of a shipping yard.

The other suspect is identified as Ruben Michael Montes, 27 who set a fire at the San Gabriel River (605) Freeway underpass and Rivergrade Road in Irwindale.

According to the CNS report, Montes was charged with “one count each of felony arson during a state of emergency; felony possession, manufacturing or disposing of flammable or combustible materials, incendiary devices, or explosives with the intent to commit arson; and misdemeanor reckless burning of personal property.”

Aside from arson, at least eight persons were also charged after they were caught looting at the height of the LA fires.(LAO)