Peninsula Man Arrested On Suspicion Of Starting Coastal Blaze

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — A Peninsula man was arrested on suspicion of starting a fire last week in a coastal region of San Mateo County, authorities said.

John Ivazes, 58 of Moss Beach, confessed to starting the 2-acre blaze at the end of Maverick’s Beach access trail on a hillside area overlooking Pillar Point Harbor Tuesday afternoon, the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office said.

There blaze threatened no structures and no injuries were reported.

The Harbor Master’s Office, Cal Fire, San Mateo County Parks and The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office extinguished the blaze, which was reported just before 1:45 p.m.

Ivazes was found lying on the ground near the fire, authorities said.

He had been seen earlier in the day constructing a large “peace” symbol out of Pampas Grass on the side of the hill, authorities said.

Multiple witnesses told investigators they saw Ivazes set the blaze.

Ivazes was booked into Maguire Correctional Facility.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at 650-363-4911. Tips can also be left at the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office Anonymous Tip Line at 1-800-547-2700.