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Suspect sought in 'suspicious' fires set across Sherman Oaks

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Updated  December 19, 2024 10:04am PST
Sherman Oaks
FOX 11

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Sherman Oaks fires labeled 'suspicious'

Multiple fires broke out in Sherman Oaks within hours of each other. Fire officials have called the fires "suspicious."

The Brief

    • Authorities said that several fires set overnight within blocks of each other in the San Fernando Valley are connected.
    • The first fire was reported around 8:40 p.m., with multiple fires following about a couple of hours later, officials said.
    • No injuries were reported.

LOS ANGELES - A series of suspicious fires set in the San Fernando Valley Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning are connected, according to authorities, and the search continues for the suspect involved.

It all began around 8:40 p.m. Tuesday off the side of the 405 Freeway near Burbank Boulevard. There is a large homeless encampment located nearby. However, it remains unclear if the encampment is related to the fire. 

The fiery night then took a turn around 10:30 p.m., when LA City firefighters were called to multiple other fires in Sherman Oaks. 

Suspected serial arsonist arrested

Police have arrested Ricardo Villanueva, accusing him at least nine fires across Sherman Oaks dating back to October.

One of the fires was set in the carport of an apartment building in the 4700 block of Kester Ave. Firefighters deemed it suspicious almost immediately upon arrival due to the location of the fire. 

Less than an hour later, another fire erupted next to the World Market in the 15200 block of Ventura Blvd., near the intersection of Sepulveda Blvd. 

At 1:15 a.m. Wednesday, a garage was set on fire behind what appeared to be a home or duplex in the 4600 block of Columbus Avenue, located off Moorpark Street. 

Fire authorities said there were multiple garbage fires set after the garage fire.

The aftermath of a fire set in a carport located in the 4700 block of Kester Avenue. / Los Angeles Police Department

In addition, another blaze was set in front of the In-N-Out Burger location on Van Nuys and Ventura boulevards in Sherman Oaks, where a bottle of acetone was found at the scene. 

According to authorities, a man riding a bicycle was seen at the Kester Avenue apartment complex, to the back of the carport around 10:30 p.m. The man is seen getting off his bike and setting a vehicle on fire in the carport. Then around 11:40 p.m., a suspect on a bicycle was seen in the area of the arson of the commercial building, the LAPD said.

Anyone with information is urged to call Major Crimes Detective Seston at 213-486-7260.

The Source

  • This story was reported with information provided by the Los Angeles Police Department and Los Angeles Fire Department. 

Sherman OaksCrime and Public Safety