MONTEREY PARK, California (CNN) -- Five men are accused of starting a massive Malibu wildfire at that destroyed more than 50 homes and forced about 15,000 people to evacuate.



A firefighter works to contain a wildfire threatening homes in Malibu, California, on November 24.



Authorities say the five, ranging in ages from 18 to 27, were drinking in a popular party spot in a cave at the park when they started the fire.



All five are from the Los Angeles area and are being charged with three felonies -- including two arson-related charges. Each count carries a sentence of two to four years in prison.



Baca said investigators traced the fire to the cave, then used receipts and surveillance camera footage from a nearby store to hunt down the men.



Investigators would not comment on why the men started the fire. During the investigation, fire officials speculated that a campfire may have started the blaze -- which engulfed roughly 5,000 acres and destroyed 80 structures, including the 53 homes.



California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency in the wake of the fire, which started on November 24.



The blaze, which was fueled by dry Santa Ana winds and low humidity, followed a spate of California wildfires in October that charred more than 508,000 acres in several counties. Those fires forced 1 million people from their homes and left 14 people dead.



The men are expected to make their first court appearance on Monday. E-mail to a friend
MONTEREY PARK , California ( CNN ) -- Five men are accused of starting a massive Malibu wildfire at that destroyed more than 50 homes and forced about 15,000 people to evacuate . A firefighter works to contain a wildfire threatening homes in Malibu , California , on November 24 . Authorities say the five , ranging in ages from 18 to 27 , were drinking in a popular party spot in a cave at the park when they started the fire . All five are from the Los Angeles area and are being charged with three felonies -- including two arson - related charges . Each count carries a sentence of two to four years in prison . Baca said investigators traced the fire to the cave , then used receipts and surveillance camera footage from a nearby store to hunt down the men . Investigators would not comment on why the men started the fire . During the investigation , fire officials speculated that a campfire may have started the blaze -- which engulfed roughly 5,000 acres and destroyed 80 structures , including the 53 homes . California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency in the wake of the fire , which started on November 24 . The blaze , which was fueled by dry Santa Ana winds and low humidity , followed a spate of California wildfires in October that charred more than 508,000 acres in several counties . Those fires forced 1 million people from their homes and left 14 people dead . The men are expected to make their first court appearance on Monday . E - mail to a friend
What helped investigators find the men?
What helped investigators find the men ?
used receipts and surveillance camera footage from a nearby store to hunt down the
used receipts and surveillance camera footage from a nearby store to hunt down the