Firefighters in Los Angeles made a dramatic arrest on Sunday. They caught a man, Ruben Montes, 29, actively lighting fires in Irwindale, California. This shocking incident happened just days after another arson suspect, an illegal immigrant, was detained in Calabasas.
Montes’ arrest details
Firefighters were battling a brush fire near Rivergrade Road and the 605 Freeway around 12:30 p.m. when they spotted Montes. Police confirmed that he was setting additional blazes in the area. Officers arrived quickly, detained Montes, and arrested him for arson. However, officials have not revealed where Montes was booked or provided further details about his motives.
Photos from the scene show firefighters cleaning up what appeared to be an extinguished fire. Authorities praised the swift collaboration between police and firefighters, which helped bring the dangerous situation under control. However, it remains unclear if the fires Montes allegedly started caused significant damage or if he had connections to other fires raging across Los Angeles.
Another arson suspect caught days earlier
Montes’ arrest comes shortly after Mexican national Juan Manuel Sierra-Leyva was detained in Calabasas. Sierra-Leyva was spotted walking with a yellow blowtorch near the Kenneth Fire. Residents intervened, restraining him with zip ties and rope until police arrived. Witnesses reported that Sierra-Leyva appeared determined to start fires, allegedly telling one resident, “I can’t stop. I’m not putting this down.”
Police initially arrested Sierra-Leyva for a probation violation, as they lacked sufficient evidence to charge him with arson. Investigators are still examining the case, and Sierra-Leyva is scheduled to appear in court on Monday. Meanwhile, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials plan to issue a detainer request for him. However, due to California’s sanctuary state laws, this request may not be honored.
Los Angeles fires rage on
These arrests come amid a devastating wildfire crisis in Los Angeles County. Three active blazes have burned through over 40,000 acres, destroying 12,300 structures and killing 24 people. The fires have forced 150,000 residents to evacuate, leaving behind a trail of destruction. Affluent neighborhoods, celebrity homes, and local landmarks are among the areas reduced to ashes.
Officials warn that the situation could worsen. Forecasted 70mph winds on Tuesday could fuel “explosive fire growth,” making containment efforts even more challenging. Firefighters are racing against time to protect lives and properties.
Unanswered questions
Authorities have yet to determine if Montes’ actions were connected to the larger fires or if his motives were related to those of Sierra-Leyva. Investigations are ongoing, with officials working to piece together the events leading up to both arrests.
The Los Angeles community remains on edge, grappling with the devastation caused by the fires and the alarming acts of arson that have added to the crisis. Residents and authorities alike are urging vigilance as firefighters continue their battle against the flames.
