Santa Clarita man charged with federal arson over Bouquet Fire

Federal prosecutors charged 70-year-old Rodney Ameile Saba of Santa Clarita with arson in connection with the Bouquet Fire, the New York Post and KHTS Radio reported. The New York Post reported that the blaze began on October 3 behind his home on Bouquet Canyon Road, burning more than 1,000 acres of federal land in the Angeles National Forest. [1][2]

According to a federal criminal complaint cited by the New York Post, the fire caused an explosion that sent flames racing up a hillside. Investigators alleged that Saba told a neighbor to expect a loud bang similar to a shotgun blast shortly before witnesses heard it. [1]

The New York Post reported that investigators recovered items including a lighter, cigarettes, and shotgun ammunition from the scene. Saba now faces a potential prison sentence of up to 20 years if convicted of the arson charge. [1]