BREAKING: Authorities have arrested a man in connection with the Los Angeles wildfire that has burned over 960 acres
LAPD officers have apprehended a man in the Woodland Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles on suspicion of arson in connection with the Kenneth Fire, which is currently spreading toward Hidden Hills and Calabasas.
Authorities report that the fire, now fueled by strong winds, was deliberately set.
Charles Dinsel, a senior lead officer with the LAPD, shared with NewsNation: “What we know at this time is that the incident began here, and approximately 20 to 30 minutes later, a suspect was apprehended by local residents in the Woodland Hills area.”
The Kenneth Fire has scorched over 950 acres so far.
According to Fox News, the arrest occurred around 4:30 p.m. on Thursday near the intersection of Arcos Drive and Galendo Street. Residents in the vicinity spotted a man riding a bicycle while carrying a torch. They witnessed him attempting to ignite old Christmas trees and garbage cans. Fortunately, the residents managed to intervene, restrain the individual, and even secure him with zip ties.
The man was held by the residents until law enforcement arrived on the scene.
The authorities have not disclosed the suspect’s identity and are currently investigating whether he is connected to other fires in the area.
Initially, the LAPD commented: “At this moment, we cannot definitively determine where or how the series of fires originated, but an investigation is underway.”
High-profile figures, including Henry Winkler, Chris Brown, and Elizabeth Chambers, have pointed to deliberate arson as the cause, prompting this development.
The ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles have claimed the lives of 10 people and caused numerous injuries. Despite extensive efforts by firefighters, the situation remains out of control.
The wildfires have destroyed at least 10,000 structures, including several iconic landmarks.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass stated, “We anticipate this fire will spread rapidly due to the strong winds.”
Officials suspect that the Kenneth Fire, the latest in a string of destructive blazes in Los Angeles, originated in the San Fernando Valley, near Ventura County and the West Hills neighborhood in the northwest part of the city.
The Kenneth Fire is burning to the north of the Palisades Fire.
According to Cal Fire, the Lidia Fire, the northernmost wildfire, is now 75% contained and has been downgraded from a California Fire incident.
Currently, the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire remain the largest active wildfires and pose a substantial threat.
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