Oceanside Man Accused Of Starting Carlsbad Brush Fire Arrested

CARLSBAD–Authorities arrested a man in connection with a brush fire on Saturday on El Camino Real and the Highway 78 eastbound freeway on-ramp in Carlsbad.

The man was identified as 39-year-old Ray Kersey, of Oceanside. Kersey was booked into the Vista Detention Facility for unlawfully causing a fire.

Carlsbad police and multiple engines from Carlsbad, Vista and Oceanside Fire Departments responded to the area, just before 4:30 p.m., and extinguished the fire in less than an hour.

The California Highway Patrol responded to assist due to reports of a man allegedly responsible for the brush fire walking on the 78 freeway. Ultimately the man was taken into custody and was positively identified by witnesses on scene.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing.