A fire that broke out Tuesday night near Goleta ended with the arrest of a 19-year-old Goleta man.
Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s deputies arrested 19-year-old Alex Karim Henin on arson-related charges, according to a statement. He was booked in Santa Barbara County Jail.
According to authorites, the person who saw the fire called 911 and provided authorities with a description of a vehicle seen near the blaze.
“When deputies arrived in the area, they located a vehicle leaving the scene and detained the occupants,” authorities said. “During a search of the vehicle, deputies located a package containing three illegal fireworks, along with evidence indicating that additional fireworks had previously been removed from the packaging.”
Juveniles who were present at the scene were released to their parents, the statement says.
“The Sheriff’s Office reminds the public that illegal fireworks pose a serious danger, particularly during dry conditions and in areas with vegetation that can ignite rapidly,” according to a news release. “Even a single firework can spark a fast-moving vegetation fire, placing lives, homes, and first responders at risk. Residents are urged to avoid the use of illegal fireworks and to report suspicious activity immediately.”
Santa Barbara County firefighters quickly doused the brush fire in the area of Farren Road near Goleta Tuesday night.
“Deputies are responding with fire to Farren Road for a vegetation fire,” wrote Santa Barbara County Sheriff public information officer Raquel Zick, on X. “Farren will be closed at Verda Del Padre. Please avoid the area and make way for first responders.”
The fire was first reported at 8:39 p.m. on the Watch Duty app.
The fire reached about .5 acres before forward progress was stopped at around 9:14pm.
An evacuation warning zone was issued, but then canceled shortly after.
News-Press videographer Aston Smith responded to the scene.
Farren Road was closed to the public Tuesday night.
Check back to the News-Press for updates.
