HOLLYWOOD HILLS—A man was arrested for setting four to five brush fires near the Hollywood Bowl on Friday, August 30.
According to Los Angeles Fire Department spokesperson Nicholas Prange, firefighters responded to 2301 North Highland Avenue at 1:30 p.m. after reports of flames near the stadium. Sixty-four firefighters arrived at 1:39 p.m. and were able to contain the fire in less than a half hour. The blaze caused massive traffic delays on the 101 freeway and smoke could be seen for miles.
The first fire near the Hollywood Bowl was fought by the LAFD before they discovered three additional fires located on Cahuenga Boulevard. Firefighters extinguished the flames quickly. Officials believe the fires were set by the same suspect.
The LAFD Arson/Counterterrorism Section determined probable cause and arrested the suspect who has been identified as a man between the ages of 50 to 60 years of age. He was booked on suspicion of Arson of Forest Land after officials found him on the Mulholland Drive bridge around 4 p.m. The name of the suspect has not been disclosed to the public.
A quarter acre to a half acre of grass was burned. No structural damage or injuries were reported. Officials are investigating a potential motive for the fires. The case is being presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for felony filing considerations.
