LOS ANGELES (AP) — Authorities in California charged a 29-year-old man, Jonathan Rinderknecht, with igniting a fire that escalated into California's worst wildfire in Los Angeles history, devastating the Pacific Palisades neighborhood and resulting in numerous fatalities.
Rinderknecht is accused of lighting a fire on New Year’s Day. Although initial efforts extinguished the flames, they smoldered underground and reignited during high winds. At a press conference, acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli stated that despite fleeing the scene, Rinderknecht returned to observe the fire from a nearby trail.
The fire, which broke out on January 7, ultimately led to 12 fatalities and obliterated over 6,000 homes and buildings, including many luxury residences in the affluent Pacific Palisades area.
During an interview with investigators, Rinderknecht allegedly provided false information about his whereabouts and denied seeing anyone else in the area during the time of the fire. He was tracked down and arrested on Tuesday in Florida.
Investigators maintain that the fire was intentionally lit, likely with a lighter used on vegetation or paper. Rinderknecht's landing of more serious charges highlights the severe impact of the wildfire and ongoing scrutiny of response efforts amid growing concerns about wildfire management in California.
Additionally, authorities are still probing a separate blaze, the Eaton Fire, which ignited the same day and caused 18 additional casualties. Both fires left entire neighborhoods devastated, reduced to ash and debris.
The findings of an external review released in September pointed to limitations in emergency protocols and resources, indicating that outdated policies and inefficiencies impeded timely evacuation warnings.
