Fire deaths trigger homicide investigation

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 5 (UPI) -- Someone convicted of arson in California's massive Station wildfire could wind up on death row for the deaths of two firefighters, officials said.

"This is a homicide investigation and could result in murder charges depending on what the district attorney decides to file," Sheriff's Department spokesman Steve Whitmore told the Los Angeles Times in a story published Saturday.

Firefighters Ted Hall and Arnie Quinones died Sunday while aiding a group of inmates fighting the fire -- the largest in the history of Los Angeles County.

A suspicious substance found along Angeles Crest Highway was being tested Friday for evidence of arson, Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca told the Times.

Stanford law professor Kara Dansky told the Times a suspect could face first-degree murder charges -- and the death penalty -- if the fire was found to be intentional and premeditated.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger Friday announced a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for setting the fire and County Supervisor Mike Antonovich said he was asking the county to offer a $50,000 reward, the Times reported.

As of late Friday, the fire had destroyed more than 154,000 acres and 76 homes.