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Liberty Caller Editorial Team

Homeless Man Arrested For Suspected Arson As Kenneth Fire Rages In Los Angeles

A homeless man in his 30s has been arrested in connection with the Kenneth Fire, which erupted Thursday afternoon in Los Angeles’ West Hills. As wildfires continue to wreak havoc across Southern California, authorities have launched an arson investigation into the blaze that has already scorched more than 800 acres and threatens nearby communities.

The fire broke out around 2:30 p.m. near Victory Trailhead. Shortly after, alert Woodland Hills residents detained a man they say was attempting to ignite fires with a blowtorch. Witnesses reported the man was riding a bicycle and carrying what appeared to be a propane tank or a flamethrower. LAPD Senior Lead Officer Sean Dinse confirmed that citizens intervened and held the suspect until law enforcement arrived.

Renata Grinshpun, a local resident, described how the community united to stop the suspect. “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 told reporters. One witness stated the man refused to stop, saying, “I can’t stop. I’m not putting this down. I’m doing this.”

The suspect was taken into custody near the 21700 block of Ybarra Road and transported to the LAPD Topanga Station. Although he has not yet been formally charged, authorities have confirmed the investigation is ongoing, and the area surrounding Victory Trailhead is being treated as a crime scene.

The Kenneth Fire is just one of several destructive wildfires tearing through Los Angeles County. In total, five major fires have burned nearly 30,000 acres and forced 130,000 residents to evacuate. The largest, the Palisades Fire, has destroyed more than 5,000 homes and scorched almost 20,000 acres.

The crisis has been further intensified by reports of looting in evacuation zones. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that at least 20 individuals have been arrested for looting homes damaged or destroyed by the fires.

As firefighters struggle to contain the growing fires, officials continue to investigate the causes behind these devastating blazes and whether additional arrests will follow.

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