Arsonist Arrested Following Series of Fires

Burbank, CA (July 22, 2022) – An 18-year-old Burbank man has been arrested on suspicion of arson following a series of fires that were deliberately set last week.

The first incident occurred on July 15, 2022.  At about 9:15 p.m., personnel from the Burbank Police and Fire Departments responded to the 1700 block of Chandler Boulevard regarding reports of a fire.  Once there, firefighters found a bush on fire that separated two single-family homes. The fire was quickly extinguished and did not spread to either dwelling.
 
Simultaneously, Burbank Police and Fire responded to a second reported fire in the 700 block of North Parish Place, just two blocks away from the first fire.  Upon arrival, they encountered a bush and vehicle on fire in the driveway of a single-family residence.  BFD was able to extinguish the fire and damage was limited to the bush and vehicle. 
 
The third incident occurred on July 16, 2022.  At about 11:30 p.m., Burbank Police and Fire responded to the 1300 block of Chandler Boulevard regarding reports of a house fire.  When emergency personnel arrived, they found a large tree on fire in the front yard of a single-family residence. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire before it spread to the home.
 
No injuries were reported at any of the fire locations.

Investigators conducted a thorough investigation, which included speaking with witnesses, canvassing the area for evidence, and the collection of surveillance video.  During the criminal investigation, a suspect was identified, and detectives subsequently obtained a search warrant for his residence and vehicle.

The suspect is 18-year-old Cyrus Hernandez, a resident of Burbank. 

On July 22, 2022, just after midnight, investigators located Mr. Hernandez within the Burbank Empire Center and placed him under arrest.  He was booked for arson, a felony, and is being held in lieu of $750,000.00 bail.  Formal charges are pending review by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.  Mr. Hernandez is due to appear in court on July 26, 2022. 
 
The investigation is ongoing.  Anyone with information about these fires is asked to call Detective Kristiana Sanchez, at (818) 238-3210.

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QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS STATEMENT SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO:
SERGEANT BRENT FEKETY | 818-238-3240 | [email protected]