An arson suspect was arrested Thursday evening in Woodland Hills as firefighters worked to contain the rapidly growing Kenneth Fire, which has threatened homes in Calabasas and West Hills.
Around 4:30 p.m., Los Angeles police responded to reports of a man attempting to start a fire in the 21700 block of Ybarra Road, according to KTLA. Residents who witnessed the incident intervened, subduing the suspect until officers arrived. Photos from the Citizen app captured the dramatic scene as police handcuffed the man outside a home.
“We were sitting in the backyard and suddenly, we hear a car screeching and someone yelling, ‘Stop! Drop what you’re holding!’” said Renata Grinshpun, a Woodland Hills resident. “Neighbors came together, cornered the suspect, and performed a citizen’s arrest. He had something that looked like a propane tank or flamethrower.”
Wow this is when civilians noticed the guy accused of setting Kenneth Fire in Los Angeles Woodland Hills area pic.twitter.com/vBcnlAnavB
— Sarah Sansoni (@sarahsansoni) January 10, 2025
The suspect’s identity has not been released, and officials did not say if his name was “Climate Change.” According to LAPD Topanga Division officer Sean Dinse, the incident is being investigated as a potential arson case.
“We believe this may be a crime,” Dinse said. “The investigation is ongoing.”
The New York Post noted that it appears the man is homeless.
The Kenneth Fire, which ignited around 2:30 p.m. in the dry brush of Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space, quickly spread to 1,000 acres by 9 p.m., with containment reaching 35%. Sky5 footage showed helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft dropping water and flame retardant near the fire’s perimeter to protect nearby homes.
Fire crews face challenging conditions as they battle multiple wildfires across the region. The Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades and Malibu, as well as the Eaton Fire in Altadena and Pasadena, continue to grow, adding to the strain on resources.
“This is some of the worst wildfire activity I’ve ever seen,” said Calabasas Mayor Steve Guttenberg. “We’re grateful for the brave efforts of firefighters and residents who are stepping up during this crisis.”
No injuries or structural damage from the Kenneth Fire have been reported as of Thursday night. Officials urge residents in the affected areas to remain vigilant and follow evacuation orders if issued.
An arson investigation into the Woodland Hills incident is ongoing, and no additional details about the suspect have been released.
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