On Thursday afternoon, a man was taken in for questioning on arson suspicion related to the Kenneth Fire in Woodland Hills, which ignited earlier that day. Initially, reports indicated that authorities believed the fire was deliberately set, prompting the LAPD’s Topanga Division to act quickly.
However, during a Friday morning press conference, the LAPD clarified that their investigation did not yield sufficient evidence to support arson charges against the suspect. Instead, he was arrested for a “felony probation violation.” Assistant Police Chief Dominic Choi acknowledged the ongoing investigation while thanking community members who helped bring the individual to law enforcement’s attention.
According to reports, local residents apprehended the suspect before police arrived. The LAPD’s Public Information Officer shared via social media that a radio call was made at approximately 4:32 p.m. on Ybarra Road after someone reported that a man appeared to be “attempting to light a fire.”
The Kenneth Fire has quickly escalated, having burned approximately 1,000 acres within hours and currently stands at 35% containment. As of January 10, evacuation warnings extend from Vanowen to Burbank Boulevard, with residents being advised to remain cautious due to challenging terrain and persistent winds that hamper firefighting efforts.
Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley emphasized the ongoing risks posed by extreme weather conditions. The devastating wildfires in the region have claimed at least 10 lives, according to a recent update from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, with efforts to gauge the full impact of the blazes remaining ongoing.
In light of the situation, community resilience and vigilance play a critical role in fire safety, with citizens urged to stay informed as conditions can quickly shift. The dedication of local residents who acted promptly may have contributed to preventing further escalation of the fire situation.