Suspected Arsonist Arrested in Connection to San Diego County Wildfires

Cal Fire dispelled rumors that the suspect in the Pala and Lilac Fires is an employee of the agency.

Firefighter Joshua Cari sprays water while battling the Lilac Fire near the Bonsall community of San Diego County, Calif., on Jan. 21, 2025. Noah Berger/AP Photo

State fire investigators have arrested a 48-year-old man suspected of starting two wildland fires that ignited Jan. 21 in San Diego County.

Ruben Vasquez, 48, was arrested Feb. 28 and remained in San Diego County jail Monday in lieu of $500,000 bail, according to inmate records. He faces two felony counts of arson in connection to the Pala Fire and the Lilac Fire, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) reported Saturday.