FALLBROOK–Sheriff’s deputies arrested a man Sunday accused of starting a brush fire in Fallbrook.
The blaze erupted approximately at 12:15 p.m. in the area of Ramona Drive and Pala Road, according to the Sheriff’s Department.
A deputy had already begun to investigate the observed smoke and arrived on scene as the call was being broadcast. Upon arrival, the deputy observed a white male adult walking away from what appeared to be the point of origin of the fire. The deputy contacted the suspect, who was identified as 34-year-old Brad Arands.
Arands was disheveled and his behavior was suspicious. He was detained until the fire was controlled and a further investigation with fire personnel could be conducted.
The fire burned approximately five acres and immediately threatened numerous homes on the ridge to the west. One outbuilding was destroyed. Arands was arrested for felony arson and booked at the Vista Detention Facility.
