Man Suspected Of Starting 80-Acre Brush Fire In Fullerton Charged

FULLERTON (CBSLA.com) — The 56-year-old Fullerton man arrested earlier this week on suspicion of starting a fast-moving brush fire that scorched 80 acres in Fullerton was charged on Friday with one felony count of unlawfully causing a fire of a structure or forest and one misdemeanor count of trespassing on private property.

Prosecutors in the Orange County District Attorney's office said that at about 3:45 p.m. Tuesday, Munoz trespassed onto property in the area of West Coyote Hills near Gilbert Street and Castlewood Drive in Fullerton and started a fire in a transient encampment. The flames spread toward South Idaho Street and West Risner Way in La Habra, scorching approximately 80 acres and becoming known as the Risner Fire.

It was the first time the hillsides had burned in decades, and some of the flames came within 100 yards of residences. About 40 homes were evacuated.

The fire was fully contained on Wednesday and Munoz was arrested by Fullerton police on Thursday.

If convicted, Munoz faces a maximum 3-year prison sentence, the district attorney's office said.

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