Fire Investigators Determine Cause of La Brea Fire
Date: August 15, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FIRE INVESTIGATORS DETERMINE CAUSE OF LA BREA FIRE
GOLETA, CA... A week-long investigation by U.S. Forest Service Special Agents, Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Narcotics Unit and Fire Investigators has revealed the cause of the La Brea Fire. Investigators revealed that the La Brea Fire was started by a cooking fire in a marijuana drug trafficking operation.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Narcotics Unit has confirmed that the camp at the origin of the fire was an illegal marijuana operation believed to be run by a Mexican National Drug Organization. The Narcotics Unit has been working in the area within the last month eradicating other nearby marijuana cultivation sites.
Although the La Brea Fire started more than one week ago, there is evidence that the unburned marijuana garden area has been occupied within the last several days. The Narcotics Unit has secured the camp area which was located in remote and rugged terrain. It is also believed that the suspects are still within the San Rafael Wilderness trying to leave the area on foot. Officials warn not to approach anyone who looks suspicious but to instead contact the nearest law enforcement agency.
Anyone with further information is urged to contact U.S. Forest Service, Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department or local law enforcement agencies.
The investigation continues with cooperating agencies including Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department, Santa Barbara County Fire Department, CalFire, and other local agencies.
The La Brea Fire Tip Line is still open, and anyone with additional information helpful to this ongoing investigation is urged to contact investigators at (805) 686-5074. Your call may remain anonymous.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department will release more information regarding the Narcotics investigation on Monday. The media contact at the Sheriff's Department is Drew Sugars, Public Information Officer, at 805.681.4192. For media inquiries regarding the investigation of the cause and origin of the La Brea Fire, contact the U.S. Forest Service at (805) 961-5707, and an investigator will return you call.
·Jointly released with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Narcotics Unit·
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Fire Investigators Determine Cause of La Brea Fire
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