A 41-year-old man is facing felony arson charges after he was accused of setting a brush fire near the Chatsworth Reservoir on Monday, then detained by witnesses until authorities arrived.
Alejandro Martinez was subdued by members of the public after he was spotted lighting a blaze near Knapp Ranch and Woolsey Canyon at about 4:30 p.m., officials said on Tuesday.
On Thursday, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced that Martinez faces felony charges of arson of a structure or forest and attempting to burn, as well as an aggravating circumstance of having prior convictions.
“As we continue to recover from the devastation of recent wildfires, this case is a stark reminder of the grave threat alleged arsonists pose to our communities,” Hochman said in a news release. “We have seen firsthand the destruction, displacement, and loss of life caused by these senseless acts. Let me be clear — if you intentionally set fire to our land, endanger our residents, and threaten our first responders, we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”
Martinez is being held without bail at the Inmate Reception Center in downtown Los Angeles.
Jail records did not list an upcoming court appearance, though Hochman’s office said he has a preliminary hearing setting scheduled for Feb. 13 at the San Fernando Courthouse.
If convicted of all charges, he could be sentenced to six years and eight months in prison.
Martinez is the 27th person charged in cases related to the recent wildfires in Southern California.
