Authorities Search For Arsonist Responsible For Igniting 7 Fires

RIVERSIDE, CA — Authorities Saturday continued searching for an arson suspect responsible for igniting seven separate vegetation fires at the Old Boy Scout Camp in Riverside.

Firefighters responded to a report of three brush fires around 10:15 p.m. Friday, but upon arrival found seven separate fires burning from the area of the American Legion Riverside Post 79 at Lake Evans to Mission Inn Avenue, the Riverside Fire Department announced.

As the first engine made entry onto the Santa Ana River Trail the company officer was notified by bystanders that a homeless person wrapped in a blanket was allegedly lighting the fires.

An arson investigator was requested along with a second and third alarm from the city of Riverside and five of the closet engine companies from Cal Fire Riverside.

Riverside Police Department Air One also responded to the fires and provided aerial reconnaissance.

The fire burned about one-and-a-half acres and a total of 57 firefighters and two chief officers responded to the scene, authorities said.

Investigators were unable to locate the suspect, but according to the fire department, they were returning Saturday to continue the investigation.

No firefighters or civilian injuries were reported.

— City News Service