UPDATE: Arson Investigation Continues, People Begin Rebuild

LOS ANGELES, CA. – The fire danger in parts of Southern California has eased as good weather and more firefighters helped beat back several of the worst blazes.

Now, the investigation into how they began is underway. $250,000 dollars; that’s the reward authorities are offering for information about who may have caused these terrible fires. This, as the people who lost their homes can only continue to wait for answers.

The Santiago Canyon fire has burned at least 25,000 acres, and forced thousands from their homes. That’s where federal Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agents are focusing the investigation, looking for more evidence.

They say there’s no question some of the fires were intentionally set. Orange County fire officials who got to the scene on Sunday first say that within minutes it had spread miles. This investigation is just in its initial stage at this point. No arrests have been made, no search warrants issued and investigators won’t say what evidence they hadcollected so far.

Many residents who livein the fire-ravaged areasspend their time waiting. They say they want only two things: to be allowed home and to get their hands on who ever did this. “I just can’t believe anyone would actually do this to people that they don’t even know. If you want my true feelings, I’d like to have 15 minutes with the guy alone,” said resident Mike Thompson.

As difficult as it may be to comprehend, this may not be the only one of the California fires caused by arson. So far, charges have been filed against at least five people suspected of arson in other locations. One man in Los Angeles County, one in San Bernardino County, two in San Diego County and a fifth, but police aren’t saying where.

Mandatory evacuation orders were lifted for most residential areas of San Diego. The mayor of San Diego said that the evacuation center at Qualcomm Stadium will be closed Friday. Hopefully, people can begin returning to their homes to begin the rebuilding process.

— Written for broadcast by Rachel Abell

— Formatted for the web by Miguel Martinez