Police have arrested a man they say is responsible for setting 15 fires in less than 24 hours in North Park.
Joseph Benenati, 43, was arrested at his University Heights home Friday, police spokesperson Mónica Muñoz said.
The fires happened within several blocks of each other last weekend.
Benenati allegedly spent at least three hours overnight setting fires in back alleys, trash cans, and near homes.
Most of the fires were minor in nature and didn't cause any significant damage, but one was large enough that neighbors described seeing flames rise above their two-story apartment building.
The fire, which destroyed a carport and garage and burned the side of a parked car, caused an estimated $10,000 in damage.
Benenati is being held on 15 counts of arson.
An arsonist who set nearly two-dozen fires several years ago in a similar situation was given a three-year prison sentence according to San Diego Fire and Rescue spokesperson Maurice Luque, but he stressed that there are many factors that weigh into possible punishment.
