At a time when firefighters are stretched thin battling multiple blazes across Los Angeles County, the Kenneth Fire is being investigated as arson.
The fire ignited Thursday, Jan. 9, around 2:30 p.m. near Victory Boulevard and County Oak Road in the West Hills/Hidden Hills area of Los Angeles, according to local news station Fox 11.
Two hours later, the LAPD detained a person of interest, a man who residents said was riding a bicycle in the area while using a blowtorch to allegedly set fires.
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Witnesses told Fox 11 the man was allegedly seen attempting to ignite old Christmas trees and garbage cans filled with debris. Neighbors spotted the individual and followed him as he tried to leave the area. A group of residents intervened, tackling the suspect and calling police to the scene.
NewsNation confirmed that investigators suspect the fire was intentionally set, and it was local citizens who played a key role in detaining the suspect.
Los Angeles District County Attorney Nathan Hochman stated that the man could face charges as severe as homicide, carrying a potential sentence of life in prison.
“Justice will be swift. It will be firm, and the maximum punishment will be sought,” Hochman said during an appearance on NewsNation’s Banfield.
The Kenneth Fire is one of five active wildfires burning in the county as of Friday.
CAL FIRE reported that firefighters are continuing to battle the Eaton, Palisades, Hurst, Kenneth, and Lidia fires.
More than 35,000 acres have been burned, and over 9,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed, according to the Los Angeles Times. At least 10 lives have been claimed in the fires, and more than 180,000 residents have been forced to evacuate.
