A man has been arrested after firefighters caught him 'actively lighting fires' in Los Angeles county, it has emerged.

Ruben Montes, 29, was arrested for arson on Sunday in Irwindale, California, roughly 16 miles away from Altadena, where the deadly Eaton Fire continues to rage.

Firefighters were responding to a small brush fire in Irwindale when they witnessed Montes starting blazes in the area, police have confirmed.

He was detained by officers at the scene and ultimately arrested for arson. Details surrounding the incident are limited and police have not revealed where Montes was booked.

Police have also not revealed if Montes was responsible for starting the brush fire or if any of the blazes that he allegedly lit have caused damage. It is also unclear if he has any ties to the other fires ravaging LA. 

His arrest comes just days after an illegal immigrant was detained for allegedly setting a fire in Calabasas, west of Beverly Hills.

The catastrophic Los Angeles fires have killed 24 people and burned more than 40,000 acres. Firefighters are currently working to contain three active blazes in the Los Angeles area and officials warn that Tuesday's forecasted 70mph wind gusts could cause 'explosive fire growth'.

Flames have forced some 150,000 people to evacuate and reduced whole neighborhoods to smoldering ruins, leveling the homes of the rich and famous and ordinary folk alike, and leaving an apocalyptic landscape. 

LA county firefighters responded to a a small brush fire near Rivergrade Road and the 605 Freeway around 12.30pm on Sunday.

While on the scene, they witnessed Montes 'suspect actively lighting fires in the area', police said. 

'Responding Irwindale Police officers were directed to the suspect, identified as Ruben Montes, a 29-year-old resident of Baldwin Park. He was detained and subsequently arrested for arson,' the force added.

'We thank our partners at LACOFD for their quick actions and teamwork to help bring this dangerous situation under control.'