Granada Hills Man Charged in String of Arsons

Prosecutors allege Cyrus Farsaad set fires at a strip club and electrical vaults in downtown LA.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 3:35am

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A 48-year-old Granada Hills man has been charged with arson for allegedly setting fire to a gentlemen's club in Canoga Park and twice setting fire to an electrical vault in downtown Los Angeles. Cyrus Farsaad pleaded not guilty to the charges and could face over 14 years in prison if convicted.

Why it matters

Serial arsonists pose a serious threat to public safety, as their actions can damage property, disrupt businesses, and endanger lives. This case highlights the need for law enforcement to quickly apprehend suspected arsonists to protect the community.

The details

Prosecutors allege that on March 5, Farsaad set fire to a gentlemen's club in Canoga Park, causing significant damage. He is also accused of setting fire to an electrical vault at a warehouse on March 2, with the fire self-extinguishing. Farsaad then allegedly returned six days later and set the electrical vault ablaze again, with the fire spreading to the warehouse and causing minor damage. No one was injured in any of the incidents.

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

The players

Cyrus Farsaad

A 48-year-old Granada Hills man who has been charged with arson for allegedly setting fires at a strip club and electrical vaults in downtown Los Angeles.

Nathan Hochman

The Los Angeles District Attorney who announced the charges against Farsaad, stating that "serial arsonists pose a grave threat to our communities."

Thomas Raymond

The Chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department's Arson Counter-Terrorism Section, who said that "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."

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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 Hochman, Los Angeles 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 Arson Counter-Terrorism Section

What’s next

Farsaad is due back in court on April 7, when a date will be set for a hearing to determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. If convicted, he could face up to 14 years and 4 months in state prison.

The takeaway

This case highlights the serious threat that serial arsonists pose to public safety, and the importance of law enforcement quickly apprehending suspected arsonists to protect the community from further harm.