LOS ANGELES — A 48-year-old man, Cyrus Farsaad, has been charged with multiple counts of felony arson after allegedly setting a series of fires across Los Angeles, including one at a strip club. Authorities arrested Farsaad on March 19, following a series of incidents that raised concerns about the growing danger posed by serial arson.
According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Farsaad’s alleged arson spree began on March 2, when he set fire to an electrical vault in a warehouse located in the Fashion District of downtown Los Angeles. Although the fire self-extinguished, Farsaad reportedly returned to the same location on March 8 and set fire to the vault again. This time, the fire spread, but fortunately, it caused no major damage or injuries.
However, the most significant of the fires occurred on March 5 when Farsaad allegedly set fire to a gentlemen’s club in Canoga Park, a neighborhood in west Los Angeles. The blaze caused “significant charring, heat, and smoke damage to the structure,” according to the DA’s office, but there were no reported injuries.
Farsaad has now been charged with one felony count of arson of property and two felony counts of arson of a structure. During his arraignment on March 19, he pleaded not guilty. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 7. If convicted, Farsaad could face up to 14 years and four months in prison.
Authorities have described Farsaad as a “serial arsonist,” with Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman emphasizing the serious threat such individuals pose to public safety. “Serial arsonists pose a grave threat to our communities. They threaten property, livelihoods, and put lives at risk. This conduct will not be tolerated,” Hochman said, commending the swift actions of the Los Angeles Police Department and Los Angeles Fire Department for apprehending Farsaad.
Farsaad remains in custody at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in downtown Los Angeles, with his bond set at $200,000. It is unclear whether he has legal representation at this time.
The Los Angeles Fire Department has also underscored the risks posed by serial arson, with Chief Thomas Raymond stating, “Serial arson is not a property crime. It is a direct threat to civilian lives and to every firefighter we send in to stop it.”
As investigations continue, the community remains on alert for the potential dangers posed by arsonists, with authorities taking strong steps to prevent further incidents.
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