The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has arrested a man in Woodland Hills on suspicion of arson in connection with the Kenneth Fire, which has now burned over 950 acres and is advancing toward Hidden Hills and Calabasas.
Authorities reported that the fire, which has been spreading rapidly due to high winds, appears to have been deliberately set.
Senior LAPD officer Charles Dinsel told NewsNation:
“What we know right now is that the incident occurred, started here, and about 20 minutes [to] 30 minutes later, a suspect was detained in the Woodland Hills area by citizens.”
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According to Fox News, the arrest occurred around 4:30 p.m. Thursday near Arcos Drive and Galendo Street. Residents reported seeing a man on a bicycle carrying a torch and attempting to ignite old Christmas trees and garbage cans. Acting quickly, they intervened, detained the man, and secured him with zip ties until police arrived.
The suspect’s identity has not been disclosed, and authorities are investigating whether he is connected to other fires in the area.
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Initially, the LAPD stated:
“There’s no way to know at this moment exactly where and how the series of fires started, but an investigation is underway.”
The Kenneth Fire is one of several blazes devastating the Los Angeles area. The fire has destroyed over 10,000 buildings, including iconic landmarks. Tragically, the death toll has reached 10, with many others injured. Firefighters are struggling to control the blaze, as strong winds continue to fuel its spread.
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Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass warned:
“We are expecting this fire to rapidly spread due to high winds.”
The Kenneth Fire originated in the San Fernando Valley, near Ventura County and the West Hills neighborhood in northwest Los Angeles. It is burning north of the Palisades Fire.
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Cal Fire reported progress on the Lidia Fire, the northernmost blaze, which is now 75% contained and no longer classified as a California Fire incident. However, the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire remain major threats as the largest ongoing blazes in the region.
Celebrities such as Henry Winkler, Chris Brown, and Elizabeth Chambers have publicly speculated about intentional arson, further drawing attention to the crisis.
Authorities continue to investigate the full scope of the fires.
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