Two men have been arrested on suspicion of arson and attempted murder after a Los Angeles homeless encampment was set on fire, sparking a fast-moving blaze that injured a firefighter, authorities said.
Daniel Michael Nogueira and Bryan Antonio Araujo-Cabrera, both 25, were taken into police custody on Saturday, six days after the blaze began in north Los Angeles, according to the city’s fire department.
The fire, which required the resources of more than 300 firefighters by land and air and every available Los Angeles fire department helicopter, bulldozer and water tender, burned through 45 acres over two days before firefighters could get it under control.
Investigators were able to determine through burn patterns, witness statements and surveillance videos that the fire “was an intentional act related to a homeless encampment near the origin of the fire, and that those living in the encampment were specifically targeted by the suspects”, the fire department said in a statement.
No civilians were injured, but one firefighter was treated for a non-life threatening injury.
Nogueira was being held on $1m bail, but he posted bond and was released Sunday, according to jail records. His father, Michael Nogueira, is the president of the Eagle Rock Chamber of Commerce.
The fire was set one day before Darrell Fields, 62, was killed when his tent was intentionally set ablaze in downtown Los Angeles’ Skid Row.
