City Ups Fire Reward to $25,000

• Information Is Sought that Leads to Alleged Perpetrators

The Malibu City Council this week took action to increase the incentive for someone with information about the person or persons who may have intentionally or accidentally started the devastating Corral Fire to step forward and break open the investigation.

A reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in the blaze that claimed over 4900 acres and destroyed or damaged some 90 structures was originally proposed at $10,000, then increased to $25,000 by unanimous consent of the council at its meeting Monday night.

Councilmember Ken Kearsley, who proposed the increase., said it would improve the odds of success. County officials indicate they are also exploring whether to add county funding to the total.

Arson investigators quickly determined that the fire was the result of human activity and are analyzing items found at the fire scene.

The council did not have an update at Monday’s meeting but noted that “it was in the community’s best interest to offer a monetary reward for information that directly leads” to the determination of how the conflagration started and the extent to which criminal prosecution is warranted.