HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (KTLA) -- Another rash of fires -- believed to be the work of at least one serial arsonist -- broke out in west and north Hollywood overnight, adding to what is being called the worst arson spree in recent history in Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles police and fire departments were on modified tactical alert Saturday night. Officials said they would increase patrols, hoping to catch the person -- or persons -- responsible for about 40 fires intentionally-set since Thursday.
Officials said they would increase patrols, hoping to catch the person -- or persons -- responsible for setting the fires.
The arson wave is the worst the city has seen since the 1992 riots, officials said.
Police arrested a man early Sunday morning who allegedly tried to set a fire at an apartment complex in Northridge, but the incident was not believed to be linked to the string of Los Angeles arson cases, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Officers responded about 3:40 a.m. to a report of an attempted arson in the 17900 block of Roscoe Boulevard, where witnesses saw the man using a "combustible liquid," the Times reported.
Officials have not released the suspect's name, saying only that he does not appear to be connected to the arson spree.
The arrest came after at least six fires were intentionally set Saturday night in Hollywood.
A car fire was reported Saturday just before 6 p.m. in the 1300 block of Mansfied Avenue in the heart of Hollywood. Firefighters found an incendiary device near the vehicle.
After that, five other car fires were deliberately set, including one on the 3000 block of Citrus Ave. and another at Hollywood and Orange.
A third fire was reported in the 7000 block of Hawthorne Blvd., a fourth in the 1000 block of Sweetzer Ave. and a fifth in the parking structure at the Hollywood and Highland complex.
Authorities say there may be surveillance video of the suspect from the Hollywood and Highland fire.
Police also suspect that at least 16 fires in the pre-dawn hours Saturday in Burbank, North Hollywood, Sun Valley and the Fairfax District may be connected to the spree.
Eight of the broke out in North Hollywood, three in the foothill area of the San Fernando Valley, three in the Wilshire Division of the Los Angeles Police Department, one on the Westside and one in a carport in Lennox. Investigators do not believe the fire in Lennox is related.
Los Angeles County officials announced a $60,000 reward Friday after an early morning arson spree wreaked havoc across West Hollywood and Hollywood.
"We are dead serious about apprehending the individual or individuals responsible for this," said County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky. "We want to get these SOBs before they hurt somebody."
