Homeless Man Arrested For Allegedly Starting Kenneth Fire As LA Wildfires Worsen

A homeless man has been arrested in connection with the Kenneth Fire that erupted Thursday afternoon in Los Angeles’ West Hills. The massive blaze has already burned more than 800 acres, forcing evacuations as officials investigate the fire as a possible act of arson.

The fire began around 2:30 p.m. near Victory Trailhead. Not long after, Woodland Hills residents spotted a man attempting to ignite additional fires using what appeared to be a blowtorch. Witnesses reported the suspect was riding a bicycle and carrying a large propane tank. Concerned locals quickly restrained the man and held him until law enforcement arrived.

Renata Grinshpun, a local resident, detailed how the community acted quickly to stop the man. “A few gentlemen surrounded him and got him on his knees. They got some zip ties, a rope, and we were able to do a citizens’ arrest,” she said. Another witness claimed the man refused to stop, allegedly saying, “I can’t stop. I’m not putting this down. I’m doing this.”

The suspect was taken into custody near Ybarra Road and transported to the LAPD Topanga Station. While formal charges have not been filed, officials have confirmed the investigation is ongoing. Authorities have declared the area surrounding Victory Trailhead a crime scene as they continue their search for evidence.

The Kenneth Fire is one of five wildfires currently devastating Los Angeles County. These fires have burned nearly 30,000 acres and forced more than 130,000 residents to evacuate their homes. The Palisades Fire remains the most destructive, having destroyed more than 5,000 homes and scorched almost 20,000 acres.

Looting has also become a serious issue in evacuated neighborhoods. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed at least 20 people have been arrested for looting homes left vulnerable by the fires.

Firefighters continue to battle the spreading flames, while investigators work to uncover the causes behind these destructive wildfires and prevent further devastation.