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
All five are from where? What were the men doing in the cave? How many homes were destroyed because of the men? How many acres were engulfed? Where were the men partying? Fire engulfed how many acres? Where were the five from? What helped investigators find the men? Men were partying where? How many felonies were the men charged with? Number of acres the firest destroyed?
Los Angeles area drinking in a popular party spot in a more than 50 5,000 in a cave at the park 508,000 Los Angeles area used receipts and surveillance camera footage from a nearby store to hunt down the popular party spot in a cave at the park three 5,000
question: All five are from where?, answer: Los Angeles area | question: What were the men doing in the cave?, answer: drinking in a popular party spot in a | question: How many homes were destroyed because of the men?, answer: more than 50 | question: How many acres were engulfed?, answer: 5,000 | question: Where were the men partying?, answer: in a cave at the park | question: Fire engulfed how many acres?, answer: 508,000 | question: Where were the five from?, answer: Los Angeles area | question: What helped investigators find the men?, answer: used receipts and surveillance camera footage from a nearby store to hunt down the | question: Men were partying where?, answer: popular party spot in a cave at the park | question: How many felonies were the men charged with?, answer: three | question: Number of acres the firest destroyed?, answer: 5,000