At least 52 fires were started over the long weekend, causing over $3 million worth of damage and leaving many in the city terrified during the holiday weekend.
The fires were mostly started in parked cars before spreading to nearby buildings, forcing many residents from their homes in the small hours. In spite of widespread damage, there have only been reports of one woman being treated for smoke inhalation, and a firefighter being treated for injuries after falling from a ladder.
Harry Burkhart was arrested after resembling a “person of interest” on CCTV images. A deputy sheriff pulled him over in a van that arson investigators had been searching for. The investigation has involved several detectives and a reward of $60,000 was on offer to catch the perpetrator.
Mr Burkhart was charged yesterday (4 January) by the District Attorney’s Office with 37 counts of arson and was due to appear in court later in the day.
Two other people were arrested in connection with the fires on Friday but were ruled out following more fires during the course of Saturday morning, while they were still being detained.
The fires occurred mostly across the Hollywood area of the city, and included the former LA home of Jim Morrison, the late frontman of the Doors.
There was also a fire at the Hollywood and Highland entertainment complex, a popular tourist destination which borders the Hollywood walk of fame – this was where the CCTV that led to the arrest was taken.
