A suspect has been arrested in connection to the Kenneth Fire, which erupted on Thursday in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, sparking mass evacuations. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is currently questioning the individual, believed to have intentionally started the blaze. The fire, which quickly spread to at least 960 acres, has led to massive damage in the West Hills area, with officials investigating it as a possible arson incident.
As the Kenneth Fire tore through the Woodland Hills area, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) issued a mandatory evacuation order. The affected area included parts of Vanowen south to Burbank Blvd. and County Lane Road east to E Valley Circle Blvd. The evacuation order called for all residents within this zone to leave immediately to ensure their safety as the fire continued to spread uncontrollably.
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Suspect detained by locals in Woodland Hills
According to LAPD sources, the suspect was detained by local residents in the Woodland Hills area about 20-30 minutes after the fire broke out. Officers arrived shortly after and took the individual into custody. Although the suspect has not yet been identified, law enforcement is treating the area as a crime scene as the investigation unfolds. LAPD officials caution that it is still too early to confirm any direct link to the fire at this stage.
LAPD Senior Lead Officer Charles Dinsel confirmed that the fire is being treated as arson, stating, "At this time, that's what we believe. Yes." Dinsel added that a local resident had called 911 around 4:30 pm to report a man attempting to set a fire at a property on Ybarra Road. The suspect was taken to the Topanga station for further questioning. However, authorities have not yet identified a clear motive behind the alleged arson.
Widespread devastation as multiple fires rage in Southern California
The Kenneth Fire is just one of several destructive wildfires currently burning across Southern California. Alongside the Kenneth Fire, the Palisades and Eaton fires are also raging, prompting mass evacuations in Calabasas and Hidden Hills. With more than 10,000 structures reported destroyed and the death toll rising to seven, the full extent of the devastation is still unfolding. Firefighters, many of whom have been reassigned from other major fires, are working tirelessly to control the rapidly growing flames.
Published: 10 Jan 2025, 11:13 am IST
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