Charges Filed Against Santa Clarita Man for Causing 1,000-Acre Bouquet Fire
A 70-year-old man from Santa Clarita has been officially charged with arson for his alleged role in igniting the Bouquet Fire, a significant wildfire that consumed over 1,000 acres of the Angeles National Forest. The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced the charges against Rodney Ameile Saba on October 9, detailing the nature of the charges under federal law pertaining to the destruction of property owned by the federal government.
The wildfire erupted on October 3, near Saba’s home located on Bouquet Canyon Road. Local authorities arrested him on the very same day on related state charges. According to the federal complaint, Saba is accused of initiating the fire shortly after 2:00 p.m., when he allegedly warned a neighbor about an impending loud noise, similar to a shotgun blast. Shortly thereafter, witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion, accompanied by Saba calling for help as flames began to spread rapidly across the hillside.
The investigation led by federal fire officials revealed that Saba reportedly admitted to having thrown a cigarette from his porch onto fireworks, which ignited and resulted in the uncontrolled blaze. In addition to the cigarette butts, authorities reportedly found a lighter, additional cigarettes, shotgun ammunition, and a firework device at his cabin. These findings strongly support the claim that the fire originated from his actions.
The U.S. Forest Service’s investigation, conducted in conjunction with the Arson Explosives Detail of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, concluded that the Bouquet Fire most likely resulted from fireworks, dismissing other potential causes such as lightning strikes, campfires, and debris burning.
Saba’s past history reportedly includes multiple felony convictions, encompassing charges such as mayhem, vandalism, possession of a controlled substance, and other serious offenses. If convicted on the federal arson charge, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The implications of this case extend beyond Saba himself, as it highlights ongoing concerns regarding fire safety and the impact of human actions on natural environments in vulnerable regions like the Angeles National Forest. The situation serves as a reminder of the potential devastation that can arise from irresponsible behavior, particularly in areas prone to wildfires.
The case continues to be monitored by federal authorities as they work to ensure accountability for actions that put public lands and communities at risk.
