Authorities believe the Kenneth Fire, which erupted on Thursday and has since consumed nearly 1,000 acres, was intentionally set. As wildfires continue to devastate the Los Angeles area, officials have arrested a man suspected of starting the blaze, allegedly armed with a “flamethrower.” This comes as the death toll across the region climbs to 10, with nearly 10,000 structures destroyed and multiple fires burning into their third night.
The Kenneth Fire and Widespread Wildfire Destruction
The Kenneth Fire broke out north of the Palisades Fire on Thursday afternoon, threatening homes in Calabasas and Hidden Hills. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has since confirmed that the fire is being investigated as arson, with an arrest made shortly after the blaze began.
Meanwhile, the Palisades Fire, situated between Santa Monica and Malibu, and the Eaton Fire near Pasadena, have already become the most destructive wildfires in Los Angeles history. Combined, they have consumed over 34,000 acres and numerous celebrity homes. As of Friday morning, the Palisades Fire was only 6% contained, and the Eaton Fire remained at 0% containment.
The Kenneth Fire itself spread to 960 acres within hours and is currently being battled by hundreds of firefighters as it continues to grow rapidly.
Details of the Arrest
Shortly after the Kenneth Fire ignited, a man was reportedly restrained by civilians in Woodland Hills. Witnesses claim he was attempting to start another fire and was armed with a “propane tank or flamethrower.” Using rope and zip ties, local residents detained the suspect before police arrived.
According to LAPD senior lead officer Charles Dinsel, the suspect was apprehended around 20–30 minutes after the Kenneth Fire began. “A suspect was detained over in the Woodland Hills area by citizens. It is being investigated as a crime,” Dinsel told NewsNation.
Authorities received a 911 call at approximately 4:30 p.m. reporting a man trying to ignite a fire on Ybarra Road. The suspect was later transported to the Topanga police station, but LAPD spokesperson Drake Madison cautioned that investigators have not yet confirmed a direct connection between the individual and the Kenneth Fire.
Who Is the Suspect?
So far, little is known about the suspect. Reports suggest he is a homeless man in his 30s, although some sources claim he may be in his mid-20s. Witnesses involved in the citizen’s arrest stated that he primarily spoke Spanish and alleged he was using a blowtorch to “smoke marijuana” because he “couldn’t afford a lighter,” according to Renata Grinshpun, one of the civilians who detained him.
Authorities have yet to release the suspect’s identity or confirm any motives for the alleged arson. LAPD investigators are expected to disclose more details as their inquiry progresses.
Arson Investigation and Next Steps
The LAPD has officially classified the Kenneth Fire as an arson case, with a crime scene established near the fire’s origin. Officer Dinsel stated, “At this time, that’s what we believe, yes,” when asked if the fire was deliberately set. However, he acknowledged that investigators have not identified a clear motive.
The area around the fire’s starting point remains closed as authorities continue their investigation. Fire crews are working tirelessly to contain the Kenneth Fire, while officials urge residents to stay vigilant as wildfires persist under challenging weather conditions.
Context: LA Wildfires’ Devastating Toll
The Kenneth Fire is just one of several wildfires ravaging Southern California. The Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, and others have forced nearly 180,000 people to evacuate, with tens of thousands of acres burned and significant property damage reported. At least 10 people have died, though officials warn that the number could rise.
These blazes, exacerbated by strong Santa Ana winds and dry conditions, have overwhelmed firefighting resources and left residents on edge. The Kenneth Fire, believed to be deliberately set, adds another layer of complexity and urgency to the crisis.
As investigations continue, Los Angeles County officials emphasize the importance of public safety and accurate information dissemination during these trying times. More updates are expected as authorities work to piece together the events surrounding the Kenneth Fire and its suspected origin.
