Hunt Stepped Up For SoCal Wildfire Culprit

Reward Up To $500,000 For Arsonist Responsible For Blaze That Has Killed 4, Charred 24,000 Acres

(CBS/AP) 
The U.S. Forest Service and the California Department of Forestry were also investigating the firefighters' deaths, gathering information on weather, topography and fuel. They interviewed firefighters who were nearby and retrieved information from dispatch tapes.

Michael Wakowski, a fire division chief in the San Bernardino National Forest, said it did not appear the crew did anything wrong.

“Sometimes things go bad, I hate to say,” he said.

Investigators were also looking into whether the fire was related to a 40-acre blaze on Sunday in nearby Mias Canyon. “There's been a lot of fires in this area all summer long. You can connect the dots,” Wakowski said.

Killed were engine Capt. Mark Loutzenhiser, 44; engine operator Jess McLean, 27; assistant engine operator Jason McKay, 27; and firefighter Daniel Hoover-Najera, 20. Another crew member, Pablo Cerda, 23, was in grave condition.

“I think they should get the death penalty for this,” a neighbor of McLean's in Beaumont, Marlene Lopez, said of whoever set the fire.

J.P. Crumrine told CBS News correspondent Sandra Hughes that Loutzenhiser, a father of five, was the type of guy "you'd really want to be want to be friends with."

The school attended by three of Loutzenhiser's children canceled a talent show because of the tragedy. “As I've told my staff, they have been devastated,” said Principal Emily Shaw. “Mark was entwined in every part of school life here.”

[cloudstr1f3]

I think you all are whacked.... if u look closely at anything u can see anything you want to see.... its in ur imagination..... wow there isn't a lot of common sense nowadays..

[shengirl]

hey sunflwr4real, maybe you should read your New Testament. Jesus says he comes to proclaim just that, a NEW Testament, one of love and forgiveness, to supplant the Old Testament. Not that vengeance and wrath ***. Like too many so-called Christians, you haven't even read what Jesus said. Explain to me how, even by Old Testament standards where a sin is passed on to future generations, men in CA. should die for bikers raping someone in VT? If you are truly a follower of Jesus, it should come from your heart, not your spleen. You dishonor all he tried to teach, and the new lesson he tried to bring to the world. Stop the hatred and judgements. What gives you the right?

[teetee29488]

I THINK THE ONES RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS SHOULD PAY DEARLY! I ALSO THINK IF ANY RELIGION IS GOING TO BROUGHT INTO THIS IT SHOULD BE ALL OF US PRAYING FOR THE FIREFIGHTERS' FAMILIES AND THOSE STILL FIGHTING TO PROTECT THE PEOPLE AND PROPERTIES. I THINK IF SOMEONE DOES RECEIVE A REWARD, PERHAPS PASS IT ON TO THE ONES THAT WILL NOT HAVE A DADDY OR HUSBAND OR SON COMING HOME. TO THE ONES RESPONSIBLE, TURN YOURSELF IN! IF IT WAS ACCIDENTAL, THEN SAY SO BUT COME FORWARD! MY COMMENTS TO SUNFLOWER, MAYBE YOU SHOULD GO BY THE NAME FLOWER CHILD!

[roach9703]

The tragedy of these fires is very apparent, the clash between man and nature. We build in places where floods are often common and places like forests where fires can be a risk. It is a old balance of risk versus benefit. We have known for years the risks of wild fires in California,Oregon, Colorado, etc. This is how we live, and taking risks is how we built America.

[sainiksangh]

Comment by snflwr4real is a fine expression of what ails the American society and how events can be interpreted. Too much materialism is leading to uncontrolled pursuit of prosperity which leads to counter effects in nature.Arson or no arson this is surely a man made catastrophy

[j9er2]

to the women/man seeing jesus in the clouds...WOW!! It's time you get some professional help and check yourself into the insane asylum. you make absolutely no sense, your scary. you should take some advice from the person who wrote below me.
It was a fire, apparently started from arson. I hope these people are found and charged harshly. arsonists always seem to get away, and its not right.
thank you thank you to all the brave firemen out there

[ellygumera]

snflwr4real

I totally disagree...God is not of "Anger" and "Revenged". He sees it coming, but He will not stop it! It is only you, me and everyone here on Planet Earth that controls our destiny.
God will provide man with his grace and blessings, but man has to make a choice between doing good and something which is not good.

[ey200]

You are a real sick freak!!! I guess it's your time to toot your horn and preach your ***. Get real!!!!

[soniq701]

Arsonist??!!
Yeah, who knows better how to set a fire?!

[soniq701]

It is easy and well known that, there are 'extreme' thrill seeking firefighters out there themselves starting the fires. Both for raking in huge paychecks...work as long as you wish daily... and for the "glory" of it!!!