Santa Clarita Man Charged with Arson for 'Bouquet Fire'

A Santa Clarita man has been charged with arson in a federal criminal complaint for allegedly setting a wildfire that scorched more than 1,000 acres of federally owned land in the Angeles National Forest. The Justice Department announced the charges against Rodney Ameile Saba, 70, on October 9, 2026.

According to the complaint, Saba allegedly ignited the 'Bouquet Fire' on October 3, 2026, at approximately 2:13 p. m. The fire started behind Saba's residence on Bouquet Canyon Road.

Moments before the blaze began, Saba allegedly warned a neighbor to expect a loud noise similar to a shotgun blast. Witnesses reported hearing a powerful explosion followed by Saba yelling for help as the fire quickly spread up the hillside.

Saba allegedly admitted to law enforcement that he threw a cigarette from his porch onto fireworks, which then exploded and ignited the fire. Investigators recovered a lighter, cigarettes, shotgun ammunition, and an aerial mortar firework from Saba's cabin. Fire investigators with the U.

S. Forest Service concluded that the Bouquet Fire, which ultimately burned approximately 1,048 acres of federal land, was "probably caused by fireworks" after ruling out other potential causes such as lightning and campfires.

The complaint also details Saba's criminal history, noting 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.

Saba was initially arrested on October 3, 2026, by local law enforcement on related state charges. The federal complaint now formally charges him in federal court. If convicted, Saba could face a statutory maximum sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison.

The United States Forest Service is leading the investigation into the Bouquet Fire, with assistance from the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department's Arson Explosives Detail. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Alexandra Sloan Kelly of the Environmental Crimes and Consumer Protection Section and Brenda N. Galván of the Transnational Organized Crime Section.

Saba is expected to make his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in downtown Los Angeles. As with all criminal complaints, the charges are allegations, and Saba is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.