WHITTIER – A Whittier man was charged with setting an arson fire near residences. The flames engulfed two of the homes, and damaged four others. Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced the charges towards Kevin Whitlock (dob 6/5/67) – who faces six counts of arson of an inhabited structure or property and one count each of arson of property of another and arson of a structure or forest.
The San Gabriel Valley was engulfed in smoke during that time – and the region’s residences and businesses were extremely worried regarding the outcome. Historically, fire spreads quickly in this area, aided by winds.
Whitlock allegedly started the fire on 02/10/2022 above a small trail in a brush area below the rim of several houses on two streets. When the fire quickly spread up the hill. propelled by windy conditions – the DA’s Office reported that parts of six houses were ultimately burned, two were devastated, another home suffered fire damage to the backyard.
Even though the amount of damage was not monumental, it was heartbreaking, nonetheless. Two families lost their homes, and severe damage occurred for four other residences.
“This fire could have had fatal consequences and even though it didn’t, there was tremendous loss for several families due to the unnecessary actions of one individual,” said District Attorney Gascón. “My office will offer services to all of the victims affected by this blaze.”
Arraignment for case VA157723 was submitted for Department 7 of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Downey Branch. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Arson Unit is conducting the ongoing investigation.
