Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman, said that the penalty for the suspected arsonist could be as high as homicide. This could result in life in prison.

“Justice will be swift. It will be firm, and the maximum punishment will be sought,” Hochman said. “Our goal is to send this warning. Whether it’s looting, these internet scams, robbery, or future arsons. The day and age of a DA’s office standing on the sidelines is over. We want to bring justice, and we will," he further added.

Learn more: Heartbreaking Stories Of Ten Los Angeles Fire Victims

A male arson suspect was arrested in Woodland Hills as the nearby Kenneth Fire ignited in the Calabasas area on Jan. 9, 2025
A male arson suspect was arrested in Woodland Hills as the nearby Kenneth Fire ignited in the Calabasas area on Jan. 9, 2025

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has launched an arson investigation at the Victory Trailhead, the site where the devastating Kenneth Fire ignited. The area is currently being treated as a crime scene, according to Brian Entin of NewsNation, who shared details on X.

The Kenneth Fire erupted shortly after 2:30 p.m. and has since scorched over 800 acres, spreading into Ventura County. Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley reported Thursday night that the wildfire continues to rage as firefighters battle to contain its destructive path.

The Suspect as a Homeless Man

Although the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, officials have confirmed it is being investigated as a potential act of arson.

LAPD senior lead officer Charles Dinsel told NewsNation that a suspect believed to have intentionally started the blaze is in custody. “About 20-30 minutes later, a suspect was detained in the Woodland Hills area by citizens,” Dinsel stated. “It is being investigated as a crime.”

The Daily Mail reported that a local resident called 911 around 4:30 p.m. to report a man attempting to set a fire near the 21700 block of Ybarra Road. Social media users shared videos of a heavy police presence on nearby freeways, with many noting that the vehicles did not appear to be heading toward evacuation zones.

Fox LA’s Elex Michaelson identified the suspect as a homeless man in his 30s. Meanwhile, firefighters have reportedly gained significant control over the Kenneth Fire.

Initial mandatory evacuation orders for Hidden Hills were downgraded to warnings, according to Chief Crowley. However, the LAPD has yet to confirm the suspect’s arrest or its connection to the Kenneth Fire officially.

Wider Impact of Southern California Wildfires

The Kenneth Fire is one of several blazes wreaking havoc across Southern California. At least five fires broke out on Tuesday morning, and by Thursday, they had collectively scorched nearly 30,000 acres across Los Angeles County. These fires have left a trail of destruction, with thousands of homes and structures damaged or destroyed.

The largest fire, the Palisades Fire, has consumed nearly 20,000 acres along the coast and destroyed more than 5,000 homes and buildings. The Eaton Fire, which has burned 13,690 acres, has caused significant damage, with officials estimating that between 4,000 and 5,000 homes have been affected.

In response to the chaos, evacuation orders have displaced approximately 130,000 residents. Major fires include the Palisades Fire, the Eaton Fire near Pasadena, and the Sunset Fire in the Hollywood Hills. Three of the five fires remain completely uncontained as investigators work to determine their origins.

Alarming Incidents and Rising Death Toll

The wildfires have claimed at least seven lives, with the death toll expected to rise. Authorities have also arrested 20 individuals suspected of looting homes damaged or destroyed by the fires, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed.

Amid the widespread devastation, social media users have raised questions about the heavy police activity in Los Angeles. Some expressed confusion over the large number of police vehicles seen on freeways, heading in directions away from active fires or evacuation zones. “The entire 10 Freeway is completely lit up with emergency lights!” one user posted on X.

The LAPD has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the significant police presence amid the ongoing wildfire crisis. Investigations into the causes of the fires remain ongoing.

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