Serial Arson Probe Needs Public's Help

A series of suspicious fires have occurred in the Central Long Beach area since mid-May 2011, and the Long Beach Fire Department and Arson Investigation Unit is seeking the public’s help in identifying and apprehending an arson suspect or suspects.

There have been 22 fire in all, and they have ranged from trash fires, vehicle fires and commercial structure fires. Most of the 22 fires have been determined by the Long Beach Fire Department and Arson Investigation Unit to be arson, and there is a possibility that they are related. 

Over the last week, additional evidence has been discovered that make these fires a federal crime. And currently, investigators are analyzing pictures and surveillance video from a number of these fires.

The most recent fire occurred over Thanksgiving weekend, where two separate mini-vans were burned within a block of each other. According to a press release, these fires occurred in the 800 block of Gardenia on November 25^th and the 800 block of Rose on November 26^th 

The release stated it is a joint investigation with the Long Beach Fire/Police Arson Unit and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Los Angeles Field Division. 

The ATF is offering two separate $5,000 rewards for tips that lead to the capture and conviction of the suspect or suspects for the two commercial building fires and the two car fires.

“Someone knows who is doing these senseless acts, so I urge all the good citizens of Long Beach who may know something about these fires to please call the Arson Hotline. We will not let this case go; the individual or individuals involved show a careless disregard for the public’s safety,” Karl Anglin, Assistant Special Agent in Charge ATF Los Angeles Field Division, said in a press release. “ATF and the Long Beach Fire Department Arson Unit will use every investigative tool available to pursue the person(s) behind these crimes before someone gets hurt.”

In May 2011, LBReport.com reported and published a surveillance video showing an an individual setting fire to a commercial building in the 1700 block of E. 7th St. 

The article stated, “the individual can be seen arriving, breaking a front window and setting the fire which ignites with a flash, after which the suspect flees with his hands on fire.”

The Long Beach Fire Department Arson Unit is asking anyone who has information regarding these incidents to call the LBFD Arson Hotline at 562-570-2582.