Arson suspected after several small fires erupt near 101 Freeway in Echo Park

Friday, February 19, 2021
ECHO PARK, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Authorities believe an arsonist set a series of small fires on a hillside near the 101 Freeway in Echo Park Friday morning.

The fires were reported around 5:20 a.m. along a noise barrier wall near the Rampart Boulevard on-ramp around 5:20 a.m., according to the California Highway Patrol. The on-ramp was temporarily closed while fire crews worked to extinguish flames from the five rubbish fires.
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Several structures were near the fires, but no damage or injuries were reported.

The on-ramp was reopened around 6:15 a.m.

AIR7 HD was over the scene as northbound traffic slowed in the area while the fires burned and multiple fire trucks responded to the scene.
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Authorities searched the area for a suspect after a person was seen running from the area, according to a report from the scene. No additional information was immediately released.

City News Service contributed to this report
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