Suspicious Fires in Ventura – Police look for suspect

Ventura Fire and Police units responded to numerous suspicious fires in multiple areas of the city beginning 9/2/20.

Units began responding to suspicious fire incidents at 05:02 AM with a vegetation fire in an agricultural field near Olivas Park and Dr. and Telephone Rd. Upon arrival, units discovered a fire in a tree row and worked to extinguish it. This fire is the latest in a string of similar fires in the area that began in early August involving vegetation, farming equipment and vehicles. These have occurred in unincorporated Ventura County jurisdiction bordering City jurisdiction. Ventura County and City Fire and Law Enforcement are collaborating on the investigation of these incidents.

At 5:43 PM, units responded to 3 separate fires in West Ventura. A vegetation fire on Park Row Ave, a vegetation fire on the Olive offramp to the SB 33 and a debris fire in a utility vault on West Main St. 3 units were utilized to extinguish these fires. Suspect information was obtained; these incidents are under investigation.

At 9:44 PM, Fire units responded to a reported dumpster fire in the 1800 block of Portola Rd. Upon arrival, the responding unit found 2 separate dumpster fires. The fires were extinguished and are under investigation.

At 10:47 PM, Fire units responded to a reported outside fire in the 900 block of Ventura Ave. Upon arrival of the first unit, a fire that had been extinguished by bystanders prior to arrival was discovered. The fire was set under a retail propane tank storage bin. Investigators contacted a responsible party and video surveillance with suspect identification was obtained. Picture of suspect attached. This incident remains under investigation.

At 11:03 PM, Fire units were dispatched to the 900 block of N Olive St for a fence and vegetation on fire. The fire was extinguished by bystanders prior to arrival. This incident is under investigation.

At 11:13 PM, Fire and PD units responded to the 200 block of N Olive for debris on fire under a vehicle. This fire was extinguished. This incident is under investigation.

At 11:25 PM, Fire and PD units responded to vegetation and fencing on fire in the 100 block of S Olive St. Upon arrival of the first unit, a bystander was attempting to extinguish the fire. Firefighters completed the extinguishment. This incident is under investigation.

On 9/3/20 at 5:24 AM, Fire and PD units responded to a report of multiple dumpster fires in the area of Market St and Fleet Ave. Upon arrival of first unit, multiple fires were identified. One unit extinguished a dumpster on fire adjacent to a structure in the 1300 block of Tower Square. A second unit extinguished a dumpster fire in the 1500 block of Morse Ave. A third unit responded to a debris fire in the 1500 block of Fleet Ave. This fire was extinguished prior to arrival. These fires are under investigation.

Anyone with information on these incidents is asked to contact Ventura Police Detective: Tyler Buck 805-339-4462

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