Man accused of attempting to set two fires near Box Canyon

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Man accused of attempting to set two fires near Box Canyon

A 41-year-old man, identified as Alejandro Martinez, was arrested on Monday after being accused of attempting to start two fires near Box Canyon in Canoga Park, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Incident Details

The incident began around 4:30 p.m. when deputies responded to a report of a brush fire on the 24000 block of Woolsey Canyon Road. A caller reported the fire and mentioned seeing a man wearing dark clothing who might have started it.

Shortly after, authorities received a second call about a man trying to ignite another fire nearby. The caller followed the suspect until deputies arrived at the scene.

Arrest and Investigation

Deputies arrested Alejandro Martinez on suspicion of arson shortly after arriving. However, details about his motive remain unclear, and authorities have not confirmed whether he has legal representation at this time.

The investigation is ongoing, and officials are working to determine the extent of the damage caused by the fires and any potential connections to other incidents in the area.

Community Impact and Safety Measures

Brush fires are particularly dangerous in areas like Canoga Park, where dry conditions can cause flames to spread rapidly, threatening homes, wildlife, and natural landscapes.

Local residents are urged to:

  • Report suspicious activity immediately.
  • Stay alert to fire safety warnings.
  • Follow evacuation orders if issued during active fires.

Thanks to quick action from community members and law enforcement, a potentially dangerous situation was controlled before causing widespread damage. As the investigation continues, authorities will provide more updates regarding the suspect and the fires.

SOURCE

Tom Vander Woude

Tom Vander Woude ('20) is from Grand Rapids, MI, and was a sports contributor to the Wake Forest Review. He covered various athletic events and provided analysis on sports-related topics at Wake Forest University.

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