(July 15, 2008) -- Early this morning (July 15) LBFD Arson Investigators and LBPD served a search warrant and ultimately arrested two suspects allegedly responsible for the string of arson fires in West Long Beach (previously reported by LBReport.com).

LBFD Public Information Officer/Capt. Mike DuRee says taken into custody were Juan Alvarez, 22, and Caldrin Benitez, 22, of Long Beach.

PIO/Capt. DuRee says there have been over 25 fires of a suspicious nature over the past three weeks, concentrated in WLB, and credits LBPD with setting up the surveillance that led to apprehending the suspects. He adds that a third suspect was detained for questioning but couldn't confirm if that suspect was arrested.

LBReport.com reported on July 1 that LBFD and LBPD were investigating fourteen (at that time) suspected WLB arson fires that took place within a period of roughly five hours...from shortly before 11:00 p.m. Monday night (June 30) through almost 4:00 a.m. Tuesday morning (July 1).

Source: LBFD

Source: LBFD

From LBFD's July 1 release:

The subsequent fires consisted of multiple different types in many different diverse areas. There were fires found in trashcans and dumpsters, fires caused by placing combustibles, such as old mattresses against garage doors. There were solitary car fires causing damage to tarps and truck covers, others that caused exposure damage to nearby vehicles consisting of meting bumpers, and paint peeling off of the exteriors due to the high heat levels. There was even damage sustained to a rear sleeping area in a motor home that was parked in an alley.

Some of these fires were very small and involved products of little or no value, however these fires often spread to nearby living areas, such as the case of dumpsters near the eaves of structures, often near bed rooms. In addition to the possible spread of fire, it should be noted that one of the most dangerous activities emergency responders perform is responding to an emergency. Every time emergency units respond there is the possibility of traffic collisions that could injury or even kill the responders or citizens on the road...