Kenneth Fire Arson Suspect Caught Red-Handed in Woodland Hills!

Thanks to brave neighbors in Woodland Hills, the police have arrested a suspect connected to the Kenneth Fire. CAL FIRE has also shared updates about the situation.

Earlier today, January 10, 2025, Brian Entin, a reporter from News Nation, said the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) told him they believe the Kenneth Fire was started on purpose.

Entin later shared a video on social media confirming his report. In the video, LAPD Senior Lead Officer Charles Dinsel explained the situation.

“What we know right now is the fire started here. About 20 or 30 minutes later, a suspect was stopped by people in the Woodland Hills area,” Officer Dinsel said.

When asked if someone had intentionally started the fire, Dinsel replied, “At this time, that’s what we believe, yes.” He added that the location of the fire is now considered a crime scene.

Entin also reported that the Kenneth Fire has burned more than 800 acres so far.

The suspect was caught by residents in Woodland Hills. A video of the arrest was shared online by someone who witnessed it.

One of the witnesses, Renata Grinshpun, told KTLA 5 about the dramatic scene. She said, “We were sitting in the backyard when we heard a car screech to a stop. Someone yelled, ‘Stop! Drop what you’re holding! Neighbors, he’s trying to start a fire! Call 911!’”

Neighbors quickly came out to help. They saw the man holding something that looked like a propane tank or flamethrower. Grinshpun said one person saw him trying to light something behind a car.

“A few men surrounded him and made him get on his knees. They used zip ties and rope to hold him until the police arrived,” she said.

The Kenneth Fire started on January 9 at 3:34 p.m. and has spread to 960 acres across Los Angeles and Ventura counties, according to CAL FIRE.

Evacuation warnings have been issued for areas between Vanowen South and Burbank Blvd., as well as County Lane Road East to E Valley Circle Blvd. People with pets or livestock are urged to leave now if they need extra time.

CAL FIRE is updating evacuation orders frequently. They recommend checking the LA City Evacuation Map for the latest information as the fire spreads in the West Hills area of Los Angeles County.

In a statement, CAL FIRE said, “Strong Santa Ana winds are making this fire dangerous for nearby communities and infrastructure. Firefighters from Los Angeles and Ventura counties are working hard to control it, using both ground crews and aircraft.”

They added, “The rough terrain and strong winds make it harder to stop the fire. Residents should stay alert and follow orders from local authorities.”

The Kenneth Fire is just one of several wildfires burning in California. CAL FIRE says these fires have destroyed more than 10,000 buildings and led to nearly 14,000 emergency responses.

Another fire, the Palisades Fire, started on January 7. It has burned 19,978 acres and is only 6% contained. The Eaton Fire, which also started on January 7, has burned 13,690 acres with no containment so far.

The Hurst Fire, which started the same day, has burned 771 acres and is 37% contained. Meanwhile, the Lidia Fire, which began on January 8, has burned 394 acres and is 75% contained.

CAL FIRE says that while California has had more fires than usual this year, the total area burned (29,053 acres) is still below the five-year average. However, it is more than what burned in 2024.

“After recent rain reduced fire activity, CAL FIRE has switched to Winter Preparedness staffing levels,” the department explained. “This helps us manage resources better during the cooler months when fire risks are lower.”

However, CAL FIRE warned that high temperatures and low rainfall are expected to continue through February, keeping fire risks high, especially in Southern California. Strong winds could also make things worse in some areas.

CAL FIRE assured the public they are staying prepared and ready to handle the ongoing fire risks.

Despite the efforts of first responders, the wildfires have already taken lives. According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, ten people have died.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said he expects the number of deaths to rise. “I don’t expect good news, and we’re not looking forward to those numbers,” he said during a press conference.