Los Angeles arson suspect arrested

LOS ANGELES -- Authorities arrested a man yesterday in connection with dozens of suspected arson fires that destroyed parked cars, scorched buildings and rattled much of the nation's second-largest city over the New Year's weekend.

Harry Burkhart, 24, was booked for investigation of arson of an inhabited dwelling and was being held without bail, authorities said. Burkhart was arrested earlier in the day because he resembled a "person of interest" captured on surveillance video. He was stopped by a reserve sheriff's deputy in a van being sought by arson investigators.

More than 50 blazes have flared since Friday in Hollywood, neighboring West Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley, causing about $3 million in damage.

Police declined to reveal any motive for the fires.

Firefighters have not responded to any other suspicious fires since Burkhart was detained, Capt. Jaime Moore said.

The blazes forced many apartment dwellers from their homes. But there were no serious injuries.

One of Saturday's fires occurred at the Hollywood and Highland entertainment complex, a popular destination bordered by the Walk of Fame in a neighborhood that includes Grauman's Chinese Theatre.

Damaged buildings included a former home of Doors singer Jim Morrison in Laurel Canyon.

Most of the fires began in cars. Authorities have not said how they were started. Investigators declined to provide any other immediate details, saying they did not want to jeopardize the case.

The onslaught of intentionally set fires left residents on edge over the holiday weekend in some of the most densely populated areas of the city. Police had conducted extra patrols all weekend.