Access to this collection is generously supported by Arcadia funds. Access to this collection is generously supported by Haynes Foundation funds. Date on negative sleeve presents time conflict since image was published in the Times on the 25th. It was likely taken the day before, on November 24, 1938. Sheriff Biscailuz, left, holds an ash box from the wood range that caused the fire, in front of suspected arsonist David E. Trewitt, center. The two men are seated while detectives and investigators stand around them. This photograph appears with the article, "Suspect Tells How Ashes From His Range Caused Blaze," Los Angeles Times, 25 Nov 1938: 2. David E. Trewitt was jailed under suspicion of arson when one evening, as he was hurriedly preparing his dinner, ashes from the antiquated wood range scattered onto nearby grass, setting the area ablaze. He attempted to put the fire out but had to phone for assistance. The fire spread across the Santa Monica Mountains, burning approximately 7,000 acres of brush. Text from newspaper caption: Tells How Conflagration Started. David Trewitt, left, shoes Sheriff Biscailuz ash box form which he dumped hot coals in preparing to build fire. The coals are believed to have started the fire. Text from negative sleeve: 15198 -- Sheriff Gene Biscailuz with arson suspect, Trewitt,-- (Topanga Canyon) 11-26-38 [stamped:] Calvert
Type
image
Format
b&w nitrate negative
Identifier
uclamss_1429_11901 ark:/21198/zz002h8rjs
Language
No linguistic content
Subject
Criminal investigations--California--Los Angeles Sheriffs--California--Los Angeles Trewitt, David E., 1901-1968 Biscailuz, Eugene W., 1883-1969
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