Alleged 'Serial Arsonist' Charged for Fires at Los Angeles Strip Club and Warehouses

Cyrus Farsaad faces up to 14 years and 4 months in prison if convicted of the three felony arson charges.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 11:49pm

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A 48-year-old man named Cyrus Farsaad has been charged with three felony counts of arson after allegedly setting fires at a strip club and two warehouses in Los Angeles. Farsaad was described as a 'serial arsonist' by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office and faces up to 14 years and 4 months in prison if convicted.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious threat that serial arsonists pose to public safety in local communities. The fires allegedly set by Farsaad threatened property, livelihoods, and put lives at risk, underscoring the need for strong law enforcement action and prosecution of such crimes.

The details

According to authorities, Farsaad first allegedly set fire to an electrical vault in a downtown Los Angeles warehouse on March 2, with the fire self-extinguishing. He then allegedly returned to the same location on March 8 and set the electrical vault on fire again, causing the fire to spread. On March 5, Farsaad is accused of setting fire to a gentlemen's club in the Canoga Park neighborhood, causing significant damage to the structure.

  • On March 2, Farsaad allegedly set fire to an electrical vault in a downtown Los Angeles warehouse.
  • On March 5, Farsaad allegedly set fire to a gentlemen's club in the Canoga Park neighborhood.
  • On March 8, Farsaad allegedly returned to the downtown Los Angeles warehouse and set the electrical vault on fire again.

The players

Cyrus Farsaad

A 48-year-old man who has been charged with three felony counts of arson and is described as a 'serial arsonist' by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office

The office that charged Farsaad and described him as a 'serial arsonist' who poses a 'grave threat to our communities'.

Los Angeles Fire Department

The department that responded to the fires and whose chief stated that 'serial arson is not a property crime' but 'a direct threat to civilian lives and to every firefighter we send in to stop it'.

Los Angeles Police Department

The department that worked with the Los Angeles Fire Department to apprehend Farsaad, the alleged 'serial arsonist'.

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What they’re saying

“Serial arsonists pose a grave threat to our communities. They threaten property, livelihoods and put lives at risk.”

— Nathan J. Hochman, Los Angeles County District Attorney

“This conduct will not be tolerated.”

— Nathan J. Hochman, Los Angeles County District Attorney

“Serial arson is not a property crime. It is a direct threat to civilian lives and to every firefighter we send in to stop it.”

— Thomas Raymond, Chief, Los Angeles Fire Department

What’s next

Farsaad's preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 7, at which point a judge will decide whether there is enough evidence to proceed to trial on the three felony arson charges.

The takeaway

This case underscores the serious public safety risks posed by serial arsonists and the importance of swift law enforcement action and strong prosecution to hold such offenders accountable and protect local communities.