A woman suspected of starting a series of rubbish, debris and vegetation fires in the Reseda area was charged Monday with four felony counts of arson of property of another.
Yoryett Salazar, 33, was arrested last Wednesday by investigators from the LAFD’s Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section, according to Nicholas Prange of the Los Angeles Fire Department.
“During a 72-hour period, during the second week of September 2023, the … LAFD responded to 14 suspicious fires involving rubbish, debris, or vegetation in the Reseda area,” Prange said in a statement.
“Thankfully, none of these fires have caused injury, and the property damage has been minimized by prompt calls to 9-1-1 and the rapid response of firefighters,” Prange said.
“Though a formal relationship between all 14 of these fires has yet to be determined, investigators from the LAFD Arson Counter-Terrorism Section have been working tirelessly to speak with witnesses and gather evidence, and the hard work has paid off,” Prange said. ” They have now identified one person who was responsible for at least four of the fires.
“She admitted to four of the fires, which was confirmed by video footage from local businesses, and has been charged previously with various felonies and misdemeanors,” Prange said.
Salazar pleaded not guilty Monday during a court appearance in Van Nuys, and is due back in court Oct. 6.
She has remained behind bars since her arrest, according to jail records.
The remaining fires remain under investigation, and anyone with information on the case was urged to call the LAFD Arson Tip Line at 213-893-9850 or email tips to LAFDArson@lacity.org.