35 Southern California fires rock cities
By the CNN Wire Staff
updated 7:57 PM EST, Sat December 31, 2011
Los Angeles (CNN) -- A joint task force Saturday was investigating a string of 35 fires across several Southern California communities, and one mayor called them a "new form of domestic terrorism."
Despite a $60,000 reward, authorities had not made an arrest by Saturday afternoon.
The 21 initial fires, set in rapid succession in the Hollywood area, prompted authorities in California to post the reward in what they say is one of the worst arson sprees in recent memory.
In almost every case, the fires were started on parked cars within a span of about five hours early Friday morning, officials said. Some of the fires spread to nearby buildings.
Among the homes damaged was one that was once occupied by Doors frontman Jim Morrison. The street where the house sits -- Rothdell Trail -- was the inspiration for the Doors song, "Love Street."
Seventeen fires were set in Hollywood; four others in West Hollywood -- all of them within a 2-square mile area.
The fire department's Capt. Jaime Moore told CNN Saturday an additional 14 fires were reported. Investigators will determine whether they are arson and related to the other fires.
more:
http://www.cnn.com/2011/12/31/justice/california-arson/index.html?hpt=hp_t1
| 
