An arson investigation has been launched in Los Angeles after a fire broke out near Crypto.com Arena, where a group of bicyclists were spotted. According to LA media outlet ABC 7, the arson investigation was launched after the bicyclists allegedly set a trash can on fire on the 1200 block of South Figueroa Street, near Crypto.com Arena and the Los Angeles Convention Center on Saturday.
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The Los Angeles Police Department stated that the group, which consisted of between 30 and 40 bicyclists, was asked to clear the area. However, things took a turn when the group decided to set off a firework inside a trash can. A “significant fire” was reported.
Figueroa Street was closed between Pico Boulevard and 12th Street. No bicyclists were arrested.
LA residents took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their thoughts about the incident.
“What in the hell??? The cops didn’t have the whole thing roped off,” one LA resident stated. “So I walked in and got my Jeep when I saw them outside. One of the security guards told me, ‘Oh. It’s just fireworks.’”
Another resident pointed out, “Pretty sure there was a trash fire with a firecracker in a trash can earlier. Was also a lot of bikers in the area. Unsure age of them. Latest call with the trash fire was like 5:07.”
LA Remains Focused on Out-of-Control Wildfires As Rain Is Forecasted In the Area
Meanwhile, LA and the surrounding areas remain focused on tackling the multiple out-of-control wildfires that have plagued the region for nearly three weeks.
However, there’s now a new concern. Metrologists report that the forecasted rain comes with potential flooding. A flood watch issued by the National Weather Service will go into effect at 10 a.m. local time on Sunday, Jan. 26. The watch will remain in effect until Monday afternoon in the areas scorched by the Eaton, Palisades, Franklin, Bridge, and Hughes fires.
However, ABC News reports that the widespread rain is expected to be “light enough” to avoid significant flooding. Rain total predictions range from half an inch to an inch. The rain will also give the area a good soaking for the first time in months.
The media outlet reported that LA has only had 0.03 inches of rainfall since June 1, 2024. The lack of rain has caused draughts, which have led to wildfire risks.
Southern California’s higher elevations expect snow as LA gets the rain. Some areas are predicted to get up to 14 inches of fresh powder.