A homeless man was arrested for allegedly starting the Kenneth Fire in Los Angeles after locals detained him while he appeared to use a makeshift flamethrower. The suspect was seen in Woodland Hills on Thursday afternoon, riding a bicycle and igniting fires on old Christmas trees and trash cans. These incidents occurred near the ignition point of the Kenneth Fire, which has since burned over 960 acres.
Residents in the area acted quickly when they spotted the man. Renata Grinshpun, a Woodland Hills resident, recalled hearing a neighbor shout, “He’s trying to start a fire! Call 911!” Several neighbors pursued the suspect and cornered him. A group of men restrained the man with zip ties and rope until police arrived. Witnesses described the device he used as resembling a blowtorch.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) confirmed the incident occurred near the Victory Trailhead, where the Kenneth Fire began around 2:30 p.m. on Thursday. LAPD Officer Sean Dinse stated, “At this time, that’s what we believe,” regarding whether the fire was intentionally set. The suspect was arrested and taken to the Topanga station for further investigation.
The Kenneth Fire remains a critical threat, with 0% containment as of Friday morning. Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Chief Kristin Crowley initially issued evacuation orders for Hidden Hills, later downgraded to warnings. The fire is part of a larger wildfire crisis in Los Angeles County, where multiple blazes have scorched nearly 30,000 acres.
Authorities have reported widespread damage and significant evacuations. The Palisades Fire, the largest of the fires, has consumed 20,000 acres along the coast and destroyed over 5,000 structures. Other significant fires include the Eaton Fire north of Pasadena and the Sunset Fire in the Hollywood Hills. Looting has also been reported, with 20 individuals arrested for burglarizing homes damaged by the fires.
California continues to grapple with extreme wildfires fueled by dry conditions, leaving over 130,000 residents under evacuation orders. Emergency services are working around the clock to contain the blazes and assist affected communities.
