Maroc - RAWSTORY.COM - Raw Story - Aujourd'hui 03:21

Citizens nab suspected arsonist in LA wildfire: report

One of several fires burning around Los Angeles is being investigated as arson and one person was reportedly in custody. Officials with the LAPD told NewsNation in a TV interview that citizens helped capture a person believed to have ignited the Kenneth Fire, and that person is in custody.Charles Dinsel, senior lead officer at the LAPD, told the network that about 30 minutes after the fire broke out, "a suspect was detained over in Woodland Hills area by citizens."ALSO READ: Trump intel advisor Devin Nunes still dismisses Russian election meddling as a 'hoax'"So someone purposely set the Kenneth Fire?" asked a reporter."At this time that's what we believe, yes," replied Dinsel. While he didn't know why or how the blaze may have been set, he called it a crime scene."It's being investigated as a crime," he said.The Kenneth Fire ignited Thursday evening in Woodland Hills. It was about 800 acres and 0 percent contained about two hours after it ignited, according to NBC News.The Palisades Fire, which ignited Tuesday, continues to be the largest with a perimeter of more than 24 square miles. The Eaton Fire also ignited Tuesday near a canyon in national forest land north of downtown Los Angeles. That inferno could damage or destroy up to 5,000 buildings.Seven deaths have been confirmed, five of which were from the Eaton Fire and two from the Palisades blaze.Watch the clip below or at this link.Los Angeles Police says Kenneth Fire currently burning was intentionally set and suspect "was detained by citizens." Burning now 800+ acres. pic.twitter.com/acJspnIJKF— Brian Entin (@BrianEntin) January 10, 2025