LAFD Numerous arson attacks in Hollywood area

 HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Several vehicles, a home and an apartment building were scorched in a rash of suspicious fires in the Hollywood Hills, West Hollywood and Hollywood on Friday morning.


The LAPD was on tactical alert in the area due to the suspected arson fires, which began at about 1 a.m. Between 19 to 20 fires have erupted, officials say, and the fires have mainly started in vehicles. Three of the fires spread to structures.


L.A. City Fire Batt. Chief Greg Gibson said whoever is setting the fires has no regard for human life or property.


Extensive damage was seen at the location of one suspicious fire at an apartment building on the 1100 block of North Cahuenga Boulevard. At least three vehicles were completely burned out, and the fire spread to the apartment above the carport, leaving windows completely covered with soot and smoke.


"We have so many that are going around hitting occupancies just like this, carports with residents above," Gibson said.


At least two apartment units had to be evacuated, including Daniel Meza of Hollywood.


"I woke up really scared. I heard somebody saying, 'Fire, fire,'" Meza said. "The smoke was in my face."


He said he ran and got his little sister and woke up his parents.


No major injuries have been reported, but one firefighter did suffer some minor injuries while battling a suspicious fire in the Hollywood Hills.


On Thursday, 22-year-old Samuel Arrington of Sunland and another person was arrested after three arson fires erupted in a five-block radius in Hollywood within 15 minutes of each other.


Arrington was taken into custody after a worker outside a 7-Eleven saw him trying to cause more damage.


Police are unsure if Thursday's fires are connected to the rash of fires on Friday. Police are asking for the public's help. Anyone with information is urged to call the Los Angeles City Fire Department at (213) 893-9800.


Source: ABC7 - Link

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