A man has been arrested on suspicion of starting the Kenneth Fire, one of several devastating wildfires currently wreaking havoc in Los Angeles.
The blaze erupted on Thursday afternoon in the Pacific Palisades area, quickly consuming over 960 acres.
The fire is now under investigation as a possible case of arson, according to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).
The Kenneth Fire is one of five active wildfires ravaging the Los Angeles region.
The Palisades Fire, the largest of the ongoing blazes, has scorched nearly 20,000 acres and remains only 6% contained.
Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire in Altadena has consumed over 13,000 acres, with firefighters struggling to gain control.
Smaller fires, including the Hurst and Lidia fires, continue to challenge containment efforts.
At least ten fatalities have been confirmed across the affected areas, with officials warning that the death toll may rise as search and recovery operations progress.
Thousands of residents have been displaced, and countless homes reduced to ashes. LA Sheriff Robert Luna described the devastation as ‘looking like a bomb was dropped,’ per Metro.
The fires have sparked widespread calls for aid, with community members and celebrities alike stepping up to assist those in need. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly donated clothing and supplies to evacuees and encouraged others to open their homes to those displaced.
Singer Mandy Moore shared images of the wreckage of her Altadena property, expressing gratitude that parts of her home remained standing despite losing other structures on her property.
Local and national organizations, including the American Red Cross and CAL FIRE, are mobilizing resources to support affected families and first responders.
President Joe Biden has pledged federal assistance, promising to cover 100% of firefighting costs for 180 days.
The Kenneth Fire is a grim addition to an already catastrophic wildfire season. Combined economic damages from the fires are estimated to exceed $150 billion.
Los Angeles officials have called for increased vigilance as the dry, windy conditions fueling the fires persist.
Residents are urged to report suspicious activity and comply with evacuation orders as firefighters and emergency services continue their battle against the relentless flames.
And now, there’s been an arrest made.
Authorities responded to reports of a man allegedly attempting to ignite a fire near the Kenneth Fire’s origin point.
Local residents intervened, detaining the suspect before police arrived. Renata Grinshpun, an eyewitness, described the dramatic citizen’s arrest to KTLA, stating: “We heard a car screech to a halt, and someone yelling, ‘Stop! He’s trying to start a fire!’”
Grinshpun recounted how neighbors banded together to restrain the man, who was reportedly holding a propane tank. “A few gentlemen surrounded him, zip-tied him, and waited for the police,” she added.
While the suspect’s connection to the Kenneth Fire remains unconfirmed, law enforcement is treating the incident as a potential arson case. “
At this time, that’s what we believe. It’s being investigated as a crime,” an LAPD spokesperson said.
