LOS ANGELES — Authorities on Thursday arrested five men accused of causing a Malibu fire that destroyed more than 50 homes and caused over $100 million in losses, authorities said Thursday.
Investigators used surveillance video, receipts and food wrappers to track down the men who were believed to have been at the cave where the fire started, Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca said.
“As adults we have always taught our children to be aware of the perils of fire,” Baca said. “In this case adults and fire and carelessness are things that led to this crime.”
Baca said the men, all from the Los Angeles area and ranging in age from 18 to 27, were suspected of recklessly causing a fire with bodily injury, causing fire to an inhabited structure and arson during an emergency.
Baca said each charge carries two to four years of prison time upon conviction.
Sheriff’s Department spokesman Steve Whitmore said investigators found evidence that indicated revelers had triggered the blaze by setting a campfire at a popular party spot by a cave in Corral Canyon, which abuts Malibu Creek State Park.
