California Man Faces Federal Arson Charges for Bouquet Fire

Rodney Ameile Saba, 70, of Santa Clarita, has been charged with federal arson in connection with the Oct. 3 Bouquet Fire, which consumed more than 1,000 acres of federal land. The blaze began behind Saba's home on Bouquet Canyon Road, prompting an explosion and rapidly spreading flames up a hillside in the Angeles National Forest, according to a federal criminal complaint.

Investigators allege that just moments before witnesses heard a powerful explosion and Saba began yelling for help, he had warned a neighbor to expect a loud noise similar to a shotgun blast. The complaint states that Saba later admitted to law enforcement that he had tossed a cigarette from his porch onto fireworks, causing them to ignite and start the fire.

The resulting blaze burned approximately 1,048 acres of federally owned land. US Forest Service fire investigators concluded the Bouquet Fire was "probably caused by fireworks" after ruling out other potential causes such as lightning, campfires, or debris burning, the complaint states.

During their investigation, authorities recovered a lighter, cigarettes, shotgun ammunition, and an aerial mortar firework from Saba's cabin. The federal arson charge follows Saba's arrest on related state charges on the day the fire broke out. He is scheduled to appear in US District Court in Los Angeles.

The complaint also details a history of felony convictions for Saba, including mayhem, vandalism, possession of a controlled substance, criminal threats, manufacture or possession of a dangerous weapon, and possession of a stolen vehicle.