January 11, 2025 - California State Parks announced on Friday the arrest of a suspect on a charge of felony arson related to a brush fire that ignited on Jan. 8 near Leo Carrillo State Park (SP) in Los Angeles County. The region has been under a red flag warning, with severe fire danger intensified by powerful Santa Ana winds, which have fueled multiple destructive wildfires across Southern California.

The suspect, Gloria Lynn Mandich, 60, was taken into custody on suspicion of starting the fire and booked into Ventura County Jail on a felony charge of arson under Penal Code 451(d). She is scheduled to appear in Ventura County Superior Court today.

The fire was quickly extinguished by the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

California State Parks urges the public to remain alert during red flag warnings and to report any suspicious activity to authorities immediately. As a precaution due to the dangerously high winds, Leo Carrillo SP's campground will remain closed to the public through Friday, Jan. 10.

Other parks closed from the impact of the current wildfires:

• Will Rogers State Historic Park – Full closure
• Topanga State Park – Full closure
• Malibu Creek State Park – Full closure
• Malibu Lagoon State Beach – Full closure
• Chino Hills State Park – Full closure
• Los Encinos State Historic Park – Full closure

These conditions have fueled rapid wildfire spread across the region, resulting in multiple reported fatalities and widespread destruction, including severe damage to Topanga SP and Will Rogers State Historic Park.

For the latest updates on the wildfires, visit CAL FIRE’s incidents webpage at fire.ca.gov/incidents. For information on state parks affected by the fires, visit parks.ca.gov/incidents.
Source: CA. State Parks