Four detained in probe of $13 million Old Town Newhall blaze

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department moved to identify the source of a fire that gutted a historic commercial district last summer. On Thursday, officers arrested four individuals on suspicion of arson and conspiracy in connection with the incident, which caused approximately $13 million in property damage.

The arrests followed the execution of search warrants at four locations across Los Angeles County. The suspects are John Wright, 47, of Canyon Country; Cristian Leija, 43, of El Monte; Jesus Figueroa, 54, of Canyon Country; and Antoinette Ruiz of El Monte. The department has treated the case as a priority alongside the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

The fire, designated as the Main Street Fire, began around 3 a.m. on August 24 near the 24000 block of Main Street. Flames spread to seven structures, including an auto body shop, a performing arts center, and a restaurant. More than 100 firefighters responded to the scene.

Los Angeles County Fire Department spokesman Keith Navarre described the extent of the destruction at the time, stating that the blaze "pretty much consumed the whole commercial building." The city of Santa Clarita and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors have offered support to the investigation.

The Sheriff's Department acknowledged the impact on property owners and the surrounding community in a news release. Officials said they are committed to determining the cause and circumstances of the incident. Specific details regarding the fire's origin have not been released. The investigation remains open, and the department is accepting tips through its Arson/Explosives Unit.