LA Fire Began as Arson: Feds

Station fire, 42% contained, chars 148K acres

(NEWSER) - Investigators of a deadly Los Angeles wildfire are having a substance from the scene tested to confirm whether the blaze was man-made. “There was material that didn't belong there," a source tells the Los Angeles Times. "It was clear evidence that the fire was intentionally set." Even if negligence caused the fire, homicide charges are still in order after the deaths of two firefighters this week, said Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca. More»

(NEWSER) - The fight to contain the deadly Los Angeles-area Station fire has so far cost more than $37 million, the LA Times reports, and that’s not counting property damage or the cost to the environment. The blaze is still burning through the San Gabriel Wilderness, but it’s 42% contained, and no longer threatens any homes. Officials are clearing debris basins, worried that rains will bring heavy erosion. More»

(NEWSER) - The Station fire raging near Los Angeles is 22% contained tonight, authorities tell the Times—though they caution that if the weather turns uncooperative again the blaze could worsen. Some evacuation orders were lifted. The Mount Wilson observatory and a nest of communication towers nearby were still threatened, however, and firefighters said the overnight hours could be crucial in saving them. More»

Six firefighters receive minor injuries

(NEWSER) - Firefighters have contained 25% of the Malibu fire that scorched 4,700 acres yesterday, burned 49 homes, and forced thousands to evacuate, the Los Angeles Times reports. "The effort will be to try to pick it up, catch it and nail it before it continues to move westward," said Los Angeles County Fire Chief P. Michael Freeman. Six firemen also suffered minor injuries. More»

Seven suspected members of 'Jump Up Boys' placed on leave

(NEWSER) - Seven deputies suspected of belonging to a "police gang" that supports street crime crackdowns backed by shootings have been suspended from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, according to officials. The so-called "Jump Up Boys" apparently operated like a squad within a squad, with members believed to sport similar tattoos and cheer on aggressive policing, investigators believe. Officials were alerted to the existence of the Jump Up Boys when a supervisor found a pamphlet for the crew that lauded shootings by cops, reports the Los Angeles Times. One member eventually came forward and identified others. More»