A man was taken into custody Sunday morning after authorities linked him to a series of six suspicious fires that erupted before sunrise near Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego’s Birdland and Kearny Mesa neighborhoods.

According to investigators, five of the fires were reported within less than an hour, beginning shortly after 4 a.m. The sixth blaze was later reported around 5:40 a.m. along Linda Vista Road between Mesa College Drive and Markham Street.

Fire crews responded to multiple locations throughout the area, including Health Center Drive, Linda Vista Road, Birmingham Drive, and Frost Street. Officials said the fires involved dumpsters, trash piles, debris, and at least one tree. Fortunately, no injuries or structural damage were reported.

The first fire broke out at approximately 4:05 a.m. near Health Center Drive close to Sharp Memorial Hospital. Additional fires were reported minutes later near Kearny High School, Mesa College, and Rady Children's Hospital.

Authorities said the suspect was allegedly spotted in the area by both a hospital security guard and a nearby witness. Investigators later used hospital surveillance footage to help identify and locate the individual.

The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Metro Arson Strike Team launched an investigation into the string of fires, which officials described as suspicious due to the close timing and proximity of the incidents.

Police said the arrest effectively ended the early-morning fire spree, though the investigation remains active. Detectives are continuing to gather evidence and are asking anyone with additional information to contact CrimeStoppers.