LOS ANGELES -- Investigators trying to solve a giant arson wildfire outside Los Angeles have bolstered their ranks in recent days, putting six more homicide detectives on the case as they review dozens of tips from the public about who set the blaze that has ravaged a 250-square-mile stretch of national forest.
Investigators still have not found a culprit in the fire that erupted Aug. 26, burning 82 homes and killing two firefighters who died when their truck plunged down a ravine as they fled the flames.
Their deaths meant that as soon as the fire was identified as arson, the investigation became a homicide probe.
The fire's single point of origin has been traced to an area near an oak tree at the bottom of a steep ravine next to a curvy mountain road. Investigators reportedly found some kind of incendiary substance but have not disclosed more information. They ruled out lightning as a cause and said they found no glass, which in rare circumstances can magnify the sun's rays and accidentally ignite a fire.
The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department is the lead investigative agency, with 10 detectives now on the case -- up from four since last week.
A reward of $150,000 is being offered and investigators want to hear from people with information about the arsonist, or anyone who saw unusual activity on the Angeles Crest Highway around 3:30 p.m. the day the fire broke out.
