Overview

• Fire crews deployed 53 firefighters and aerial units on July 13 to douse a palm tree blaze that charred about a quarter-acre in Runyon Canyon Park by 12:25 p.m.
• Former University of Kentucky receiver Scott Mitchell and partner Davanh DiMarco noticed the fire, pursued the fleeing man and helped restrain him until officers arrived
• In viral footage, 43-year-old Andrew Wistic O’Calliham admits “I did” when asked about igniting the blaze and falsely claims to be a fire marshal conducting a controlled burn
• State park rangers and LAPD arrested O’Calliham on suspicion of arson upon forest land; he remains held on $75,000 bail
• The incident underscores ongoing wildfire risks in the Hollywood Hills and the impact of civilian vigilance since January’s 43-acre Sunset Fire