Transient pleads not guilty to starting 370-acre Montebello brush fire
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A 45-year-old transient pleaded not guilty Tuesday to starting the so-called Lincoln Fire, which has burned 370 acres near the Whittier Narrows Reservoir in Montebello, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office said.
Arturo Miallan Aguilar is being held in lieu of $20,000 bail.
The wildfire broke out Sunday afternoon along the 900 block of North Lincoln Avenue. The fire sparked a second blaze that burned more than 80 acres near San Gabriel Boulevard by the intersection of Lincoln Avenue. Aguilar was arrested later that day.
Police said Aguilar was apparently trying to cook a meal when the fire spread. He faces up to three years in prison if convicted, according to prosecutors.
As of Tuesday morning, the fire was 80 percent contained. Los Angeles County Fire Inspector Randall Wright said crews were using water drops and hand crews to fully encircle the burn area to prevent any flare-ups.
