2 fires that scorched Cal Poly on same day caused by arson, university says

Two fires that blazed on Cal Poly’s campus on Monday were caused by arson, according to a university email sent to the campus community Friday.

The first fire was located behind the Crop Science Unit near Highway 1 and Stenner Creek Road, while the other was located between Mustang Village and Cal Poly’s lemon grove.email sen

After an investigation, Cal Fire decided the fires were caused by arson, according to the email.

“The Cal Poly Police Department is actively investigating both fires, with the aim of identifying the person or people responsible,” Cal Poly spokesperson Matt Lazier told The Tribune. “The investigation is active and, in order to preserve its integrity, the university cannot share any additional information about it at this time.”

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, a 15-year-old was arrested on suspicion of arson for starting the Lizzie Fire, which burned 124 acres in the hills above San Luis Obispo High School on the same day as the Cal Poly fires.

The San Luis Obispo Fire Department has previously said the Lizzie Fire and Cal Poly fires incidents were unrelated.