Authorities in Los Angeles took a suspect into custody on Thursday, January 9, after a witness reported seeing someone attempting to start a fire near the location of the rapidly spreading Kenneth Fire. However, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has not confirmed any connection between the suspect and the fire at this time.
The arrest took place in the Woodland Hills area, located near the fire’s origin point, following a call to police at approximately 4:32 p.m. reporting a “possible arson suspect.” The LAPD responded to the 21700 block of Ybarra Road, where a witness stated that a male was seen trying to light a fire. The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, was quickly apprehended and taken to the LAPD’s Topanga Station for further questioning.
No Confirmation of Link to Kenneth Fire
Despite the circumstances of the arrest and the proximity to the Kenneth Fire, LAPD Assistant Chief Dominic Choi clarified at a press conference on January 10 that there was “not enough probable cause to arrest [the suspect] on arson or suspicion of arson.” Instead, the suspect was taken into custody for a felony probation violation.
“We are continuing our investigation, and we cannot confirm any connection to any fire by this suspect at this time,” the LAPD stated in a follow-up message, urging caution as the investigation remains ongoing.
Kenneth Fire Continues to Rage in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties
The Kenneth Fire, which was first reported around 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 9, has already burned over 1,000 acres across Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. The fire’s rapid spread has prompted evacuations in surrounding areas, including neighborhoods near West Hills, Hidden Hills, and Calabasas. The fire is now threatening residential areas, including those home to several high-profile residents such as Jessica Simpson and the Kardashian family.
LAPD Senior Lead Officer Charles Dinse, speaking to NewsNation, confirmed that the fire began near the location of the suspect’s detention. “What we know right now is the incident started here and about 20 minutes or 30 minutes later a suspect was detained in the Woodland Hills area by citizens,” he said.
However, Officer Dinse was careful to note that while the investigation is ongoing, authorities are treating the Kenneth Fire as a potential arson case. “At this time, that’s what we believe this is, yes,” he told NewsNation when asked whether the fire was intentionally set. He also confirmed to KTLA that the Kenneth Fire is “investigated as a crime.”
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Ongoing Investigations Into Multiple Fires
The Kenneth Fire is just one of a number of major wildfires that have ravaged Southern California in recent days. Since Tuesday, January 7, at least six significant fires have been reported in the region, forcing more than 100,000 people to evacuate their homes. The fires have caused widespread damage and prompted a massive response from local authorities and firefighting teams.
As of Friday morning, firefighters have been battling to contain the Kenneth Fire, which continues to threaten both residential areas and local wildlife. The fire has strained firefighting resources, as multiple teams work to contain it while simultaneously addressing other fires burning in nearby areas.
Evacuations and Community Impact
The Kenneth Fire’s rapid spread has raised concerns about the safety of residents in surrounding areas. Authorities have issued mandatory evacuation orders for parts of West Hills, Hidden Hills, and Calabasas, urging residents to leave immediately as the fire threatens to engulf more homes. Emergency shelters have been set up to accommodate those displaced by the fires.
In addition to the Kenneth Fire, authorities are also managing other fires in the region, with officials working around the clock to contain the blazes and prevent further destruction. The Southland has been under heightened fire danger due to dry conditions and high winds, which have contributed to the quick spread of the flames.
Public Appeals for Help
In light of the widespread destruction caused by the fires, local authorities and community organizations have launched efforts to assist victims. Volunteer groups and disaster relief organizations are providing food, shelter, and supplies to those who have been forced to evacuate their homes.
To learn more about how to help the victims of the L.A. fires, residents and those outside the area can visit local relief efforts’ websites, which are coordinating donation drives and volunteer services.
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Looking Ahead
As authorities continue to investigate the possible connection between the suspect and the Kenneth Fire, the situation remains fluid, with updates expected as more information becomes available. Firefighters will continue their efforts to contain the fires, while officials urge residents to stay vigilant and follow evacuation orders if necessary.
The arrest of the suspect, although not directly linked to the fires at this point, highlights the ongoing investigation into the causes of the recent fires in the region. As Southern California braces for more potential fire risks in the coming days, the community remains on high alert and committed to supporting those affected by the devastating blazes.
For more updates on the wildfires in Southern California and the investigation into potential arson, continue to follow local news outlets and official reports from the LAPD and fire departments.
