ARRESTED for Igniting FIRES
in San Bernardino
San Bernardino County
Fire Chief Mark Hartwig
For the past year, San Bernardino County Fire (SBCoFire) investigators have
been tracking a subject who is believed to have started at least 8 fires in the
City of San Bernardino.
The majority (5) of
the fires were started in the foothills above Sterling Ave. and E. Foothill Boulevard,
dating as far back as July 3, 2016. Due to the quick response and actions of
firefighters, 7 of the fires were quickly extinguished but burned anywhere from
1-8 acres.
However, on June 27,
2017, following the ignition of the Mart Fire in the drainage East of Walmart
at Highland Avenue and Frontage Road, winds quickly carried embers across State
Route-330 into the dry vegetation. The wind driven Mart Fire quickly spread the
fire up the mountain-side, endangering nearby homes and burning at least 670
acres.
Wednesday August 23rd,
San Bernardino County Fire Investigators,
with the assistance of San Bernardino Police Deparment
Investigators, executed a search warrant in San Bernardino at the
home of 38 year-old Peter Granados; subsequently arresting him for arson. Upon
questioning, Granados admitted to setting all 8 fires, including the Mart Fire.
Granados was booked
into the West Valley Detention Center for PC451(d); arson, with bail set
at $275,000.
Investigators
determined Granados used an open flame device to light combustibles on fire. No
injuries were sustained as a result of the fires.
Eyewitnesses are
credited for their bravery in coming forward and sharing what they saw with
investigators. It is due to their awareness and diligence that led
investigators to Granados.
San Bernardino
Police Chief Jarrod Burguan
“See
Something, Say Something”
saves
lives and protects property.
You can report suspicious activity
to fire and law
enforcement or
We-Tip at 800-47-ARSON
(800-472-7766).