String Of Dumpster Fires Prompt Arson Investigation In WeHo, LA: Reports

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA — Authorities have launched an arson investigation following a series of dumpster fires Monday night in West Hollywood and nearby areas in Los Angeles, according to a report.

The Weho Times reported that as many as four such fires were reported in the area, beginning at around 10:40 p.m. Monday at a Chevron gas station at the corner of La Cienega Boulevard and Holloway Drive.

The fire damaged the dumpster and part of the gas station's storage wall, KTLA reported.

An employee shared footage of a person they believe may be a suspect, describing him as a man on a bike who rode around the store several times before the fire broke out, according to the station.

Firefighters were dispatched to another fire less than 15 minutes later near North Flores Street and West Santa Monica Boulevard. Additional fires were reported on Romaine Street near La Cienega Boulevard and on Melrose Avenue near Fairfax Avenue, according to the Weho Times.

The West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station was investigating whether the fires were set intentionally and the Los Angeles Police Department was involved in the search for a suspect, according to the Weho Times.

An LAPD spokesman told KTLA that a man had been arrested at around 1:45 a.m. Tuesday on suspicion of starting a fire nearby, at a location near Cole and Waring avenues. But the spokesman was unable to confirm whether the man was suspected in the other fires.

The Weho Times published photos showing several of the fires, including the one on Romaine Street, which showed the contents of a dumpster ablaze just feet from a building.