March 20, 2026: Serial Arsonist Charged With Setting Fire to Gentlemen’s Club in Canoga Park, Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES - A 47-year-old man has been charged with felony arson for setting fire to a gentlemen's club in Canoga Park and repeatedly setting fire to an electrical vault in the Fashion District in downtown Los Angeles.

"Serial arsonists pose a grave threat to our communities. They threaten property, livelihoods and put lives at risk," Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. "This conduct will not be tolerated. Our Arson and Explosives Section has moved swiftly and forcefully to prosecute this offender and ensure that he is held fully accountable. I commend the Los Angeles Fire Department and Los Angeles Police Department for their swift apprehension of the individual responsible for these incendiary crimes."

Cyrus Farsaad (dob 3/21/78) of Granada Hills was charged in case 26CJCF01767 with one felony count of arson of property and two felony counts of arson of structure.

"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," Chief Thomas Raymond, Los Angeles Fire Department, Arson Counter-Terrorism Section, said. "The work that goes into building these cases is significant and it takes time, trust between agencies, and investigators who stay the course. This arrest is the product of that dedication, and it reflects our shared commitment to protecting our communities and holding those who endanger them fully accountable."

On March 2, Farsaad allegedly set fire to the electrical vault at a warehouse in the Fashion District. The fire self-extinguished. On March 8, Farsaad allegedly returned to the warehouse and set fire to the electrical vault again. The fire spread to the warehouse and caused minor damage. No one was injured.

On March 5, Farsaad allegedly set fire to a gentlemen's club in Canoga Park, causing significant charring, heat and smoke damage to the structure. The club was closed at the time of the fire and no one was injured.

The defendant pleaded not guilty at arraignment on March 19. The Court set statutory bail at $200,000. A preliminary hearing setting is scheduled for April 7 in Department 37 of the Foltz Criminal Justice Center.

If convicted as charged, Farsaad faces up to 14 years and four months in prison.

The case is being prosecuted by Richard Gallegly of the Target Crimes Division, Arson & Explosives Section and remains under investigation by the Los Angeles Fire Department and Los Angeles Police Department.

The charges filed in this case are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.