LA arson suspect on 37 charges

The man accused of starting a series of fires in Los Angeles has been formally charged with 37 offences of arson.
Harry Burkhart was in court to hear a judge set his bail at almost three million dollars because of a risk he may skip to his native Germany.
SOUNDBITE: Judge Upinder S. Kalra saying (English):
"As a condition of bail I'm ordering that his passport be surrendered by the next court date. Moreover, because of this factor, I'm adding another 500, 000 dollars to the amount that I indicated to counsel tentatively. Bail will be set at 2, 850, 000."
Burkhart is accused of carrying out the arson attacks in a four-day spree over the New Year holiday.
It's alleged his actions were triggered by the arrest and pending extradition of his mother on fraud and embezzlement charges.
Prosecutors are calling for a tough sentence if he's convicted.
SOUNDBITE: Los Angeles District Attorney Steve Cooley saying (English):
"Very simply the amount of harm he did to the psyche of the citizens of these particular communities and all of Los Angeles county, I think it merits a life term."
The fires were set in more than 50 locations.
Burkhart may face further charges.
Paul Chapman, Reuters