A man was taken into custody for questioning related to the Kenneth Fire, which ignited on Thursday in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles. Initially arrested on suspicion of arson, the investigation took a turn as authorities later revealed there was insufficient evidence to pursue that charge. Instead, the suspect was booked for a felony probation violation, according to the LAPD’s Topanga Division.
Sean Dinse from the LAPD had indicated that investigators believed the fire might have been deliberately set, leading to heightened scrutiny of the suspect. During a press conference on Friday, Assistant Police Chief Dominic Choi acknowledged the ongoing nature of the investigation and thanked community members for their role in alerting the police to the situation. Reports hinted that local residents intervened by restraining the suspect until authorities arrived on the scene.
The LAPD initially reported the incident via social media, detailing a call that alerted them to a man allegedly attempting to start a fire on Ybarra Road, a location situated close to the raging Kenneth Fire, which has now expanded to cover 1,000 acres with only 35% containment as of January 10. Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley highlighted the ongoing threat posed by extreme weather conditions linked to these devastating blazes.
While evacuation warnings remain in effect for certain areas, mandatory evacuation orders have been lifted, indicating a cautious improvement in conditions. However, the unpredictable terrain and persistent winds in the region pose significant challenges for firefighting efforts, leading emergency officials to advise residents to remain vigilant.
This incident underscores the serious impact of current weather patterns in Southern California, with earlier fires causing the tragic loss of at least 10 lives this season. Continued community cooperation and vigilance could play a vital role in preventing further disasters and fostering safety amid these challenges.