LOS ANGELES — A 70-year-old Santa Clarita man has been charged in a federal criminal complaint with arson involving federal property for allegedly igniting the Bouquet Fire arson case that torched more than 1,000 acres of the Angeles National Forest. Rodney Ameile Saba is accused of setting the blaze behind his Bouquet Canyon Road residence on Oct. 3, 2026, with fireworks, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
TL;DR: Rodney Ameile Saba, 70, of Santa Clarita, was charged Oct. 9 in a federal criminal complaint with arson involving federal property. Prosecutors allege that on Oct. 3 at about 2:13 p.m. he threw a cigarette from his porch onto fireworks behind his home on Bouquet Canyon Road, sparking the Bouquet Fire that burned approximately 1,048 acres of federal land. If convicted, he faces a statutory maximum of up to 20 years in federal prison.
A shotgun-like blast, then flames
According to the federal complaint, moments before the fire started, Saba allegedly warned a neighbor to expect a loud sound like a shotgun blast. Witnesses then heard a powerful explosion followed by Saba yelling for help — and a fire rapidly spreading up the hillside, as also reported by the New York Post.
The complaint alleges that Saba admitted to law enforcement that he threw a cigarette from his porch onto fireworks, causing them to explode and start the fire. Fire investigators with the U.S. Forest Service determined that the Bouquet Fire, which ultimately burned approximately 1,048 acres of federal land, was “probably caused by fireworks” after excluding lightning, campfires, debris burning, and other potential causes.
The evidence in the cabin
Investigators later recovered a lighter, cigarettes, shotgun ammunition, and an aerial mortar firework from Saba’s cabin. The combination of his alleged warning to the neighbor, witness accounts of the explosion, and his own alleged admission forms the backbone of the federal complaint.
Saba was initially arrested on Oct. 3, 2026, by local law enforcement on related state charges. The federal complaint filed Oct. 9 formally charges him in federal court, and he is expected to make his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in downtown Los Angeles.
Prior felony convictions alleged
The complaint further alleges that Saba has multiple prior felony convictions, including mayhem, vandalism, possession of a controlled substance, criminal threats, manufacture or possession of a dangerous weapon, and possession of a stolen vehicle. Those priors could factor into detention and sentencing decisions as the case proceeds.
What the federal arson charge carries
Arson involving federal property is a serious federal offense. If convicted, Saba would face a statutory maximum sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison. The case is being investigated by the U.S. Forest Service with assistance from the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department’s Arson Explosives Detail, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexandra Sloan Kelly and Brenda N. Galván.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Rodney Ameile Saba?
Rodney Ameile Saba, 70, of Santa Clarita, California, was charged Oct. 9, 2026, in a federal criminal complaint with arson involving federal property for allegedly igniting the Bouquet Fire.
How did the Bouquet Fire allegedly start?
According to the complaint, on Oct. 3, 2026, at about 2:13 p.m., Saba allegedly threw a cigarette from his porch onto fireworks behind his residence on Bouquet Canyon Road in the Angeles National Forest, causing an explosion and the fire. He allegedly warned a neighbor beforehand to expect a sound like a shotgun blast.
What evidence did investigators recover?
A lighter, cigarettes, shotgun ammunition, and an aerial mortar firework were recovered from Saba’s cabin. The U.S. Forest Service determined the fire was probably caused by fireworks after ruling out lightning, campfires, and debris burning.
How large was the Bouquet Fire?
The fire burned approximately 1,048 acres of federally owned land in the Angeles National Forest.
What are Saba’s prior convictions?
The complaint alleges prior felony convictions including mayhem, vandalism, possession of a controlled substance, criminal threats, manufacture or possession of a dangerous weapon, and possession of a stolen vehicle.
Has Saba been convicted of this arson?
No. He is charged in a criminal complaint, which is merely an allegation. He was arrested Oct. 3 on related state charges and is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
What sentence could he face if convicted?
A statutory maximum of up to 20 years in federal prison.
Who is handling the case?
The U.S. Forest Service is investigating with assistance from the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Arson Explosives Detail. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexandra Sloan Kelly and Brenda N. Galván are prosecuting.
Featured image: California wildfire (Terra Mater) (source).
