An arrest has been made in reference to the Palisades Fire, which caused widespread destruction in Los Angeles County and killed a dozen folks earlier this 12 months, the Division of Justice introduced on Wednesday.
Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, is accused of igniting a fireplace on Jan. 1 within the Pacific Palisades that finally erupted into the Palisades Fireplace, the Division of Justice mentioned.
The comb hearth was suppressed by hearth crews however continued to smolder underground earlier than excessive wind brought on it to floor and unfold practically every week later, “inflicting what turned referred to as the Palisades Fireplace, probably the most damaging wildfires in Los Angeles Metropolis historical past,” appearing U.S. Lawyer Invoice Essayli mentioned throughout a press convention on Wednesday.
Rinderknecht has been charged by legal criticism with destruction of property by the use of hearth. He was arrested on Tuesday close to his residence in Florida and is scheduled to make his first court docket look in Orlando federal court docket on Wednesday, officers mentioned.
An aerial view exhibits the devastation left by the Palisades Fireplace within the Pacific Palisades part of Los Angeles, Jan. 27, 2025.
Jae C. Hong/AP
The hearth erupted on Jan. 7, burning greater than 23,000 acres over greater than three weeks and destroying practically 7,000 buildings, in accordance with California hearth officers.
It ignited the identical day as the Eaton Fire, which burned greater than 14,00 acres in Los Angeles County, destroying greater than 9,400 buildings and killing 19 folks, in accordance with officers.
The fires began burning throughout sturdy Santa Ana winds, which, mixed with dry situations, helped their potential to spread quickly. This unfold prompted mass evacuations.
The Palisades Fireplace decimated the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles.
This can be a growing story. Please test again for updates.
