UPDATE | One of the individuals detained for questioning after a brush fire that erupted Wednesday afternoon near El Dorado Park has been arrested, according to Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) officials.
LBFD Spokesperson Jake Heflin said a 24-year-old man has been arrested on charges of possessing drug paraphernalia and being wanted for an outstanding warrant. Heflin said he was arrested by the Long Beach police officer assigned to the arson department of the LBFD, and is in jail on $91,000 bail.
“It appears that the individual was trying to burn off brush to clear the area for recreational use,” said Heflin.
He said the man arrested had identified an area he thought would be ideal for “good bike jumps” and “burned the area to expose the ground.”
PREVIOUSLY: Individuals Detained for Questioning After Brush Fire Near El Dorado Park
06/08/16 at 6:06PM | A brush fire that occurred this afternoon and appeared to have been caused by a campfire started by members of Long Beach’s transient population resulted in the detainment of two individuals, authorities said today.
According to Long Beach Fire Department spokesman Jake Heflin, a brush fire was reported just south of Willow Street and west of the 605 Freeway at 4:27PM today. When firefighers arrived, they discovered the fire was confined to about a half acre and was spreading at a moderate rate among the brush.
The units also saw heavy smoke and found it difficult to access the fire, but managed to extinguish it by 4:58PM, with three engines from Orange County assisting.
A series of similar incidents have been reported over the last week and a half, said Heflin.
The Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) and LBFD then detained two transient suspects for questioning, Heflin said. They are currently still questioning the individuals.
This report will be updated as the situation develops.
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