Updated at 5:01 p.m. PDT May 17, 2021
The Los Angeles Fire Department announced Monday morning that an adult male suspected of igniting the Palisades Fire was detained, questioned and then arrested Sunday afternoon by LAFD Arson Investigators. Ralph M. Terrazas, Chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department said in a 10 a.m. press conference on Monday that personnel in a Police Department helicopter observed the ignition of the fire, as well as a second ignition later but lost sight of him in the smoke and dense brush. The suspect was treated Sunday for smoke inhalation.
The intensity and spread of the fire slowed considerably Sunday night and Monday. As predicted, the visibility improved Monday afternoon enough to allow the use of three fixed wing air tankers which dropped retardant to assist firefighters on the ground. They supplemented the work being done by helicopters that have been dropping water. The fire has burned 1,325 acres.
There has been no change in the existing Mandatory Evacuation orders in the County of Los Angeles or the Evacuation Warning in the City of Los Angeles.
No structures have been damaged. One firefighter sustained a minor injury.
Updated at 9:52 p.m. PDT May 16, 2021
The active investigation into the cause of the Palisades Fire continues. Arson investigators from the Los Angeles Fire Department detained and released one individual, but at 6 p.m. PDT they announced that they are questioning a second person.
The latest information about the fire puts it at 1,325 acres, but these fire updates have been running many hours behind the actual fire activity.
The weather will turn against the firefighters Monday afternoon when the wind out of the southwest will increase to 10 mph and gusts to 16 mph, with relative humidity dropping into the 50s. The cloud cover will decrease after 11 a.m. which may allow the use of fixed wing air tankers.
Updated at 4:04 p.m. PDT May 16, 2021
At 3:05 p.m. Sunday the Los Angeles Fire Department reported that the Palisades Fire near Topanga, California was mapped at 1,325 acres.
The Department issued a warning at 2 p.m. Sunday for residences in a portion of The Summit community to be ready to evacuate.
An Evacuation Warning is now in effect for the following area (as shown on the map above): Starting at the 1500 block of Chastain Parkway W – all homes north of Chastain Parkway over to Calle Del Cielo (eastern boundary). The warning area includes Calle De Sarah, Calle Bellevista and all homes West of Calle Del Cielo / Ave Ashley up to the hills.
All residents in this area are asked to prepare for a potential evacuation based on the developing fire activity. Secure your valuables, medicines, etc in your car and be prepared if asked to evacuate.
The visibility over the fire is not adequate to allow the use of fixed wing aircraft, but helicopters are still assisting firefighters. Departments that sent helicopters include LA FD, LA County, Ventura County, and Orange County.
12:01 p.m. PDT May 16, 2021
No structures have been damaged. One firefighter sustained a minor injury. There are no reported injuries to any civilians.
Continue reading “Sheriff’s office searching for arsonist at Palisades Fire in SoCal”
