LOS ANGELES, CA – A 60-year-old woman has been arrested and faces a felony charge for allegedly igniting a fire near Leo Carrillo State Park in Los Angeles County, authorities announced on Thursday.
Gloria Lynn Mandich was taken into custody on Wednesday after being accused of starting a fire in the area, according to California State Parks officials. The incident was first reported by a local news outlet. Officials confirmed that the fire was swiftly extinguished by firefighters from the Los Angeles County Fire Department, preventing it from spreading to nearby structures or causing further damage.
Mandich is currently being held at the Todd Road Jail in Santa Paula with bail set at $20,000. She has been charged with the felony offense of recklessly causing a fire to a structure or forest. Ventura County Superior Court records indicate she is scheduled to appear for her arraignment on Friday afternoon.
Authorities did not release additional details about the circumstances surrounding the fire or Mandich’s alleged involvement. Investigators are working to determine if the fire was connected to any other recent incidents in the region.
This arrest comes as Southern California battles multiple wildfires amid extreme weather conditions. The region has faced significant challenges in recent days, with strong winds and dry vegetation creating prime conditions for the rapid spread of fires. Firefighters and law enforcement officials remain on high alert, urging residents and visitors to adhere to fire safety regulations and report suspicious activity.
California State Parks and Los Angeles County Fire Department officials have commended the rapid response of firefighters in containing the blaze, highlighting the importance of public vigilance in preventing potential wildfire disasters.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have asked anyone with information related to the incident to contact law enforcement.
