Fresno Fire Department Nabs Suspected Serial Arsonist After Putting Out His Photo

By Edward Smith

Published 8 months ago on

June 11, 2024

Fresno Fire Department investigators arrested 67-year-old Curtis Carlton Evans, whom they suspect of starting a grass fire Thursday. He may have started several other fires. (GV Wire Composite/David Rodriguez)

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Fresno Fire Department investigators arrested a suspected arsonist on Friday after releasing his photo, as well as that of his car, to the media.

The suspect is believed to be responsible for setting a grass fire on Thursday near Cornelia and McKinley avenues. Authorities also suspect him of setting seven other fires.

Investigators charged Curtis Carlton Evans with 11 felony counts of arson and booked him into Fresno County Jail.

Additional charges may be brought as the investigation continues.

“Anyone setting intentional fires in our community will be investigated, arrested, and prosecuted,” said Fresno Fire Chief Billy Alcorn in a news release. “Our firefighters work incredibly hard to respond to numerous emergency service calls each day and intentionally set fires have the potential of delaying their responses to those true emergencies within our community.”

Thursday’s Fire Threatened Several Homes

The blaze the 67-year-old Evans is suspected of starting Thursday threatened several homes. However, firefighters extinguished the fire before it caused any property damage.

An eyewitness spotted him there, according to the fire department.

The investigation was a joint effort by the Fresno Fire Department, Fresno County Fire, North Central Fire, and local law enforcement.

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Edward Smith,

Multimedia Journalist

Edward Smith began reporting for GV Wire in May 2023. His reporting career began at Fresno City College, graduating with an associate degree in journalism. After leaving school he spent the next six years with The Business Journal, doing research for the publication as well as covering the restaurant industry. Soon after, he took on real estate and agriculture beats, winning multiple awards at the local, state and national level. You can contact Edward at 559-440-8372 or at Edward.Smith@gvwire.com.