Who is the Suspect Behind the California Fires?

Police have apprehended a suspect believed to be responsible for starting one of the devastating fires in Los Angeles.

The suspect is a homeless man around 30 years old, according to information provided by Elex Michaelson from Fox LA.

This man was initially detained by “citizens” in the Woodland Hills neighborhood shortly after the Kenneth Fire erupted on Thursday, as stated by LAPD Officer Charles Dinsel to Brian Entin of NewsNation.

Newsweek.com has reached out to LAPD for further comments via email.

Background

The Kenneth Fire broke out in San Fernando Valley on Thursday afternoon and rapidly scorched over 1,000 acres.

Firefighters continue to battle other large fires in the Los Angeles area, fueled by drought conditions and strong Santa Ana winds.

The fires have destroyed at least 10,000 homes, buildings, and other structures, claimed the lives of at least 10 people, and forced tens of thousands to evacuate their homes.

What You Need to Know

The LAPD has launched an arson investigation at the Victory Trailhead, where the Kenneth Fire began, according to Entin.

“What we know at this moment is that the incident occurred, started here, and approximately 20 minutes, 30 minutes later, a suspect was detained in the Woodland Hills area by citizens,” Dinsel stated.

When asked if the Kenneth Fire was intentionally set, Dinsel said, “At this moment, that’s what we believe.”

He further mentioned that the method and reason for starting the fire are not yet clear but confirmed that the area has been designated as a crime scene.

The suspect’s identity has not been disclosed, and an LAPD official previously told Newsweek that the department “continues its investigation and cannot confirm any links to any fire by this suspect at this time.”

The official noted that “a man was heard claiming that a suspect was trying to set something on fire” in the 21700 block of Ybarra Road in Woodland Hills, according to a radio call at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday.

The official added that officers arrived at the scene and detained a person.

Community Reactions

Renata Grinshpun, who witnessed the suspect’s detention, told KTLA: “We were sitting in the yard when suddenly we hear a car screech to a halt and the man runs out yelling, ‘Stop! Drop what you’re holding! Neighbors, he’s trying to start a fire! Call 911!’”

The man seemingly had a “large canister or a flamethrower,” and a neighbor saw him trying to ignite an object in flames behind a vehicle, she explained.

She added, “We really came together as a group. A few gentlemen surrounded him and got him on his knees. They found some zip ties, a rope, and we managed to make a citizen’s arrest.”

California Governor Gavin Newsom noted Thursday evening on X: “The #KennethFire is 1,000 acres and now 35% contained. The forward rate of spread has been halted.

“I’m grateful to the heroic firefighters from Los Angeles and Ventura County who are actively involved on-site, deploying ground crews and aerial resources.”

What Lies Ahead

The arson investigation is ongoing. Police have yet to provide further details about the suspect.

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