Suspect Detained After Fire Scorches An Acre At El Dorado Park

LONG BEACH, CA – A two-alarm fire burned up to an acre of brush Wednesday at the Nature Center at El Dorado Park in Long Beach, and a 43-year-old man was taken into custody as the prime suspect in starting the blaze, authorities said.

No injuries were reported as a result of the fire, which was reported about 4:55 p.m. just west of the San Gabriel River (605) Freeway near Willow Street, authorities said.

Crews knocked down the flames by 5:40 p.m., according to Jake Heflin of the Long Beach Fire Department.

A second alarm was called because of access and water supply issues, Heflin said.

An Orange County Fire Department helicopter responded to the scene to provide reconnaissance assistance, Heflin said.

Arson investigators were summoned to determine the fire's cause and origin, Heflin said.

"The fire remains under investigation," according to a fire department tweet. "However, fire Investigators have a 43-year old Hispanic male in custody who is the prime suspect relating to this fire."

Westbound Willow Street was closed between the San Gabriel River Freeway and Studebaker Road during the firefight and mop-up operations, Heflin said.

City News Service