Earlier today, a passerby reported a subject actively lighting a brush fire, according to the Fountain Valley Police Department.
Police officers responded immediately and located the suspect in the area of Talbert and Ward.
The male suspect attempted to flee but he was quickly apprehended without incident.
Even with recent rainfall, brush fires can spread rapidly and pose a serious threat to nearby homes and businesses.
If you see something suspicious, say something! Your call can make a difference.
In California, setting a brush fire is typically prosecuted as malicious arson of forest land under Penal Code Section 451(c) or reckless burning under Penal Code Section 452.
Penalties for the Suspect
Based on California law as of 2025, the suspect may face the following:
- Malicious Arson (PC 451): If the act was willful and malicious, it is always a felony.
- Imprisonment: Burning “forest land” (defined to include brush-covered land and grasslands) carries a sentence of 2, 4, or 6 years in state prison.
- Fines: Up to $10,000, which can increase to $50,000 if the fire was set for financial gain.
- Enhancements: If the fire causes “great bodily injury,” the sentence can increase to 5, 7, or 9 years. Aggravated arson (involving prior convictions or multiple structures) can lead to 10 years to life.
- Reckless Burning (PC 452): If the act was reckless but not malicious, it is a “wobbler” that can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony.
- Misdemeanor: Up to one year in county jail.
- Felony: Up to 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years for reckless burning of forest land.
- Mandatory Registration: Conviction for malicious arson often requires lifetime registration as an arson offender with local law enforcement.
- Three Strikes Law: Felony arson is considered a “strike” offense in California.
Arson History in Orange County (2021–2025)
Arson arrests in California have reached record highs in recent years, with a notable uptick in wildland-related incidents.
- Statewide Trends (2021–2025): CAL FIRE reported a significant rise in arson arrests, peaking at an all-time high of 162 statewide in 2022. By mid-2025, statewide arson arrests had already increased by 30% compared to the same period in 2024.
- Orange County Context: While specific local counts for 2025 are still being finalized, Orange County remains under high fire hazard severity as of early 2025 due to updated mapping from CAL FIRE. In 2024 and 2025, local authorities have emphasized that arson continues to be a primary cause of wildfires alongside electrical and lightning events.
- Prevalence: Historically, arson has caused up to 15% of California’s annual wildfires. In 2025, agencies like the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) and local police have intensified public “See Something, Say Something” campaigns to combat this trend.