California fires caused by burning car, deliberately set on fire [View All]

[Nikki Stone1]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070312/ap_on_re_us/california_fire

Burning car blamed for Calif. wildfire


By ANA BEATRIZ CHOLO, Associated Press Writer Mon Mar 12, 4:22 PM ET
ANAHEIM, Calif. - A wildfire burning among houses in the hills southeast of Los Angeles was ignited by flames from a stolen car that was intentionally set ablaze during strong Santa Ana winds, a fire official said Monday

Orange County Fire Authority Battalion Chief Ed Fleming stopped short of calling it arson, however, because it wasn't clear if the intent was to start a wildfire or simply cover up criminal evidence.

"They have confirmed that it was a stolen car and that the car was intentionally ignited," Fleming said. "As we fight the fire, they are trying to come up with every lead possible to figure out who did this and why and what their motive was."