SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Arson arrests are on the rise across California just as the state faces some of the most dangerous fire weather conditions in years.
New data from Cal Fire San Diego shows there have been 125 arson arrests statewide so far this year, which is on track to outpace last year’s total of 151. It's also more than the 111 arrests in 2023.
“So far the San Diego unit has arrested four people for arson and that’s kind of in line with the rest of the state," said Capt. Mike Cornette with Cal Fire.
Cornette explained that the figures include the Lilac Fire and Pala Fire back in January.
The two fires started less than half an hour apart near the I-15 and State Route 76 in the Pala Mesa and Bonsall areas and scorched nearly 100 acres.
With vegetation at critically dry leve