Kurt Billie, 34, is facing 20 felony counts of arson and one felony count of aggravated arson.
The charges involve a series of fires set in July 21 and Aug. 2 in North Hollywood that burned cars, trucks and motor homes, causing an estimated $1 million in damage.
Prosecutors allege that Billie has prior arson convictions for setting fires in Okinawa, Japan while he was stationed there with the Marine Corps.
Billie could face a maximum sentence of life in prison. He is due in court for arraignment Feb. 7.
City News Service contributed to this story.
