Illustration of Arson Suspect Detained as Kenneth Fire Rages in West Hills

Arson Suspect Detained as Kenneth Fire Rages in West Hills

by

in

The Kenneth Fire ignited in West Hills on Thursday afternoon, rapidly expanding into Ventura County. Currently, it is being treated as an arson case, with authorities having detained a suspect.

The blaze was reported at approximately 2:30 p.m. near the intersection of Victory Blvd. and County Oak Rd. By 7 p.m., the fire had scorched nearly 960 acres and was still 0% contained, although firefighters have successfully halted its forward progression, according to the Ventura County Fire Department. The fire’s rapid spread started within the city of Los Angeles before advancing into Ventura County.

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) announced they are treating the fire as arson. A statement released by the police indicated that a call was made around 4:32 p.m., reporting a male suspect attempting to ignite a fire in the 21700 block of Ybarra Road. The suspect has since been taken into custody and transported to Topanga Station.

Initially mandated evacuation orders were placed shortly before 5:30 p.m., but these were later downgraded to evacuation warnings for affected areas, which included regions from Vanowen St. to Burbank Blvd. and County Lane Road to E. Valley Circle Blvd.

By the same time, several evacuation warnings in Ventura County were lifted, allowing residents in areas like Oak Park and the Bell Canyon community to return home as the fire movement stabilized.

As the fire situation develops, resources from ongoing fire efforts, such as those from the Palisades fire, are being reallocated to assist with the Kenneth Fire. Moreover, a curfew has been implemented across Los Angeles County for evacuation areas, effective daily from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. until further notice.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by firefighters in Los Angeles County as they combat multiple wildfires simultaneously. It serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by human activity and the importance of vigilant safety measures in preventing such devastating fires. The community’s response, including the swift reallocation of firefighting efforts and the establishment of curfews, underscores a dedicated approach towards ensuring public safety.

In summary, the Kenneth Fire’s rapid growth and the ongoing investigation into arson emphasize the need for awareness and preparedness in wildfire-prone regions, showcasing the community’s resilience in the face of natural disasters.

Popular Categories


Search the website