Man Who Sparked Canyon Wildfire Arrested In San Diego Monday, Police Say

SAN DIEGO, CA — A man who allegedly sparked a wildfire that swept through Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve over the weekend, forcing evacuations and road closures, was behind bars and facing a possible arson charge Monday.

Brandon James Glasgo, 30, was taken into custody shortly after the blaze erupted early Sunday afternoon just east of Interstate 5, near Sorrento Valley Boulevard, according to the San Diego Police Department.

A resident of the area reported spotting Glasgo walking out of an open brushy area in the 10800 block of Vista Sorrento Parkway as the flames began spreading, SDPD Officer Colin Steinbroner said.

As ground and airborne crews worked to subdue the flames, authorities evacuated the nature preserve east of Torrey Pines State Beach, advised people who live in neighborhoods surrounding it to prepare to clear out of their neighborhoods on short notice and shut down streets around the burn area.

As of shortly before 7 p.m., roughly 5 1/2 hours after the blaze broke out, firefighters had its spread halted at about 130 acres, the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department reported. No structural damage or injuries were reported.

By early Monday morning, crews had the smoldering footprint of the blaze roughly 25% surrounded by firebreaks, according to SDFRD public affairs.

Glasgo was being held at San Diego Central Jail on $75,000 bail pending arraignment, scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.