Deadly string of Arson attacks sweep through Hollywood
2 views
Skip to first unread message
-Pastor-Dale-Morgan-
Dec 31, 2011, 4:30:50 AM12/31/11
to Bible-Pro...@googlegroups.com
Perilous
Times
Deadly string of Arson attacks sweep through Hollywood
By Michael R.Blood
AP
December 31, 2011 7:36PM
Fires started in 21 locations in Hollywood
Dozens of people were evacuated from their homes
Authorities are searching for a suspect
AN arsonist swept through the Hollywood area under the cover of dark early Friday, torching vehicles whose flames ignited nearby houses, including one once occupied by Doors frontman Jim Morrison.
The four-hour onslaught started shortly after midnight and sent firefighters scrambling to douse fires in 21 locations in Hollywood and the neighboring city of West Hollywood. In nearly every case, the fire started in a parked car.
Another car fire was reported Friday night in an underground garage in Hollywood that fire officials said may be linked to the earlier fires. It was reported at about 7 p.m. beneath the L.A. Fitness health club.
"We believe that it's a good possibility that the individuals responsible for the fires this morning are responsible for the fire that occurred tonight," Los Angeles Fire Capt. Jaime Moore told the Los Angeles Times. It involved only one car and no injuries were reported.
Authorities ruled out any possible link to terrorism while bracing for another round of fires and continuing the search for a suspect.
"We are hoping for the best but anticipating and preparing for the worst," Los Angeles City Fire Chief Brian Cummings said.
Los Angeles officials urged continued public vigilance Friday and offered at least $35,000 in rewards for information leading to the conviction of an arsonist or arsonists.
County supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky says the county is offering a $25,000 reward and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is adding another $10,000 to the reward.
The city council is drafting a motion to add another $25,000 to that sum, but councilman Tom LaBonge urges citizens to come forward with any information they have immediately.
Dozens of people were rousted from their homes, power was disrupted in several neighborhoods and Los Angeles police were put on alert in the Hollywood area. One city firefighter was treated and released from a hospital after a fall from a ladder while battling one blaze. No other injuries were reported.
All of the fires on Friday were in a 2-square mile area and most were in densely populated residential neighborhoods where residents would likely be asleep.
"This is the most dense part of Los Angeles and West Hollywood. We have 20,000 people per square mile living in this area. One fire out of control could cost dozens of lives," said John Duran, mayor of West Hollywood where four of the fires were set.
"Turn yourself in whoever you are. Stop it, stop it. We will not tolerate this in West Hollywood, in Los Angeles or anywhere in our neighborhoods," Duran said.
Authorities were interviewing witnesses and looking for any video footage that may have captured the person, or people, responsible for the spate of crimes. Investigators from four agencies met for a strategy session, while Los Angeles officials summoned investigators from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
We will "be preparing for what may be coming tonight," said Los Angeles County fire Battalion Chief Tom Sullivan.
Fire officials couldn't say whether the rash of fires was the work of a copycat. There was a series of other arson fires early Thursday, also in Hollywood. Two people have been arrested and remain in custody for those blazes, officials said.
One of the homes was in Laurel Canyon, where Jim Morrison and his girlfriend once lived, neighbors said. The winding road was the inspiration for the Doors' hit "Love Street," and the house was listed for nearly $1.2 million earlier this year, according to real estate website Zillow.com.
Deadly string of Arson attacks sweep through Hollywood
By Michael R.Blood
AP
December 31, 2011 7:36PM
Fires started in 21 locations in Hollywood
Dozens of people were evacuated from their homes
Authorities are searching for a suspect
AN arsonist swept through the Hollywood area under the cover of dark early Friday, torching vehicles whose flames ignited nearby houses, including one once occupied by Doors frontman Jim Morrison.
The four-hour onslaught started shortly after midnight and sent firefighters scrambling to douse fires in 21 locations in Hollywood and the neighboring city of West Hollywood. In nearly every case, the fire started in a parked car.
Another car fire was reported Friday night in an underground garage in Hollywood that fire officials said may be linked to the earlier fires. It was reported at about 7 p.m. beneath the L.A. Fitness health club.
"We believe that it's a good possibility that the individuals responsible for the fires this morning are responsible for the fire that occurred tonight," Los Angeles Fire Capt. Jaime Moore told the Los Angeles Times. It involved only one car and no injuries were reported.
Authorities ruled out any possible link to terrorism while bracing for another round of fires and continuing the search for a suspect.
"We are hoping for the best but anticipating and preparing for the worst," Los Angeles City Fire Chief Brian Cummings said.
Los Angeles officials urged continued public vigilance Friday and offered at least $35,000 in rewards for information leading to the conviction of an arsonist or arsonists.
County supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky says the county is offering a $25,000 reward and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is adding another $10,000 to the reward.
The city council is drafting a motion to add another $25,000 to that sum, but councilman Tom LaBonge urges citizens to come forward with any information they have immediately.
Dozens of people were rousted from their homes, power was disrupted in several neighborhoods and Los Angeles police were put on alert in the Hollywood area. One city firefighter was treated and released from a hospital after a fall from a ladder while battling one blaze. No other injuries were reported.
All of the fires on Friday were in a 2-square mile area and most were in densely populated residential neighborhoods where residents would likely be asleep.
"This is the most dense part of Los Angeles and West Hollywood. We have 20,000 people per square mile living in this area. One fire out of control could cost dozens of lives," said John Duran, mayor of West Hollywood where four of the fires were set.
"Turn yourself in whoever you are. Stop it, stop it. We will not tolerate this in West Hollywood, in Los Angeles or anywhere in our neighborhoods," Duran said.
Authorities were interviewing witnesses and looking for any video footage that may have captured the person, or people, responsible for the spate of crimes. Investigators from four agencies met for a strategy session, while Los Angeles officials summoned investigators from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
We will "be preparing for what may be coming tonight," said Los Angeles County fire Battalion Chief Tom Sullivan.
Fire officials couldn't say whether the rash of fires was the work of a copycat. There was a series of other arson fires early Thursday, also in Hollywood. Two people have been arrested and remain in custody for those blazes, officials said.
One of the homes was in Laurel Canyon, where Jim Morrison and his girlfriend once lived, neighbors said. The winding road was the inspiration for the Doors' hit "Love Street," and the house was listed for nearly $1.2 million earlier this year, according to real estate website Zillow.com.
Reply all
Reply to author
Forward
0 new messages