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Man Sought On Suspicion Of Arson In Connection With 1,400-Acre Azusa Fire

AZUSA (CBSLA) — Authorities were searching for a 36-year-old man experiencing homelessness who stands accused of starting the Ranch 2 fire in Azusa that scorched 1,400 acres.

Police say Osmin Palencia was last seen in the Azusa Canyon riverbed and is believed to be violent. Authorities urged the public to call police if Palencia is spotted.

Evacuation orders for the area have been lifted, though containment for the fire stood at around three percent.

The Ranch 2 Fire was reported about 2:45 p.m. Thursday near North San Gabriel Canyon Road and North Ranch Road, according to authorities.

The following roads remain closed:

• San Gabriel Canyon Road/Highway 39: Northbound Highway 39 is closed at Sierra Madre Ave. and Southbound Highway 39 is closed at East Fork Rd.
• Glendora Mountain Rd: closed from Big Dalton to East Fork
• Glendora Ridge Rd: Closed from Glendora Mountain Rd to Mt. Baldy Rd
• Santa Anita Canyon Rd: Closed from Arno Dr to Chantry Flats Rd

Anyone with information about Palencia's whereabouts was encouraged to contact the Azusa Police Department at 626-812-3200.

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