Several small but suspicious fires popped up along East Foothill Boulevard in Pasadena on Friday, sending firefighters hustling between businesses and a transit parking garage in the middle of the day. The incidents included trash can fires, a blaze in the bed of a pickup outside a restaurant, and a vehicle burning in a station lot. Crews knocked down each fire quickly, and officials reported no injuries. City authorities said the cluster of fires unfolded within a few hours and is being treated as suspicious, and investigators are asking for any video or tips that might help explain what happened.
According to MyNewsLA, the first calls came in around noon Friday. Fire crews responded to a trash bin burning behind the Whole Foods Market at 3751 E. Foothill Blvd.; flames in the bed of a pickup parked in front of Panda Inn at 3488 E. Foothill Blvd.; a trash can fire inside the Panera Bread at 3521 E. Foothill Blvd.; and a car on fire at the Sierra Madre Villa parking structure. Pasadena spokeswoman Lisa Derderian told the outlet that emergency crews moved quickly to put out the flames and then swept the surrounding area for any other fire activity.
How this fits with recent fire activity
The run of small fires comes on the heels of other notable incidents in Pasadena this year, including a four-alarm response to a blaze at General Motors’ design campus that brought in hazardous-materials teams and kept firefighters on scene for an extended period, as reported by Pasadena Now. Officials note that even relatively minor and scattered fires can threaten people and property, which is why investigations into suspicious fire activity are typically handled with care.
How to report tips
Pasadena officials asked anyone with information to call 626-744-4241, and tipsters who want to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit L.A. Crime Stoppers, Pasadena spokeswoman Lisa Derderian told MyNewsLA. The investigation is still underway, and the city has not announced any arrests or identified any suspects.
Possible charges if fires were set intentionally
If investigators conclude that any of the fires were intentionally set, the conduct could fall under California’s arson laws. Penal Code §451 treats the willful and malicious burning of property or structures as a felony, with potential prison terms that depend on how serious the offense is.
The investigation remains active, and Pasadena police and fire officials did not immediately release additional details. We will update this story as authorities provide new information.
