Arson fires reported at neighboring car washes in South Whittier

SOUTH WHITTIER — In the second arson fire reported at a coin-operated car wish in two days, investigators ruled a fire that caused about $50,000 in damage to the lobby of a car wash early Wednesday was the work of an arsonist.
The fire was reported just after 3:10 a.m. at the Valley View Car Wash, 11806 Valley Blvd., at Leffingwell Road in an unincorporated county area just south of Whittier.
It caused an estimated $50,000 worth of damage to the lobby of the structure before firefighters extinguished the flames, Los Angeles County sheriff’s Lt. Bill Evans said.
Upon investigation, Los Angeles County Fire Department officials and deputies from the Sheriff’s Arson-Explosives Detail concluded the fire had been intentionally set, the lieutenant said.
No information regarding a suspect was available, and Evans declined to discuss how the fire may have ignited, citing the ongoing investigation.
Deputies and fire officials responded to another arson fire about 4:10 a.m. Monday, just across the street at Classic Touch Auto Detailing, 14209 Leffingwell Road, officials said.
In that case, “A flammable substance was placed in front of a couple of security doors and ignited,” Evans said.
Firefighters put out the fire before it caused any damage, he added. No suspect description was available.
Due to the close proximity and time-frame in which the fires occurred, Evans said, investigators were looking into the possibility the same fire bug was responsible for both crimes.
Anyone with information can reach the Sheriff’s Norwalk Station at 562-863-8711.

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