A man suspected of attempting to start fires in Woodland Hills, California, was confronted by quick-thinking residents on Thursday afternoon, preventing further destruction amidst a region already ravaged by wildfires.
Arrest Details
Los Angeles police responded to reports of a man using a blowtorch to ignite multiple Christmas trees and piles of garbage near Arcos Drive and Galendo Street around 4:30 p.m. local time. This incident occurred near the site of the newly ignited Kenneth Fire, which began spreading through the San Fernando Valley and into West Hills the same afternoon.
The Kenneth Fire, the latest in a series of Southern California blazes, has rapidly expanded to cover 960 acres, threatening homes in the Calabasas area.
Residents who spotted the suspect acted decisively. One neighbor, Renata Grinshpun, described the chaotic but coordinated effort to KTLA:
“We were sitting in the backyard, and suddenly we hear a car screech to a halt. A man jumps out yelling, ‘Stop! Drop what you’re holding! Neighbors, he’s trying to start a fire! Call 911!’”
Grinshpun recounted how several neighbors tackled the man, restraining him with zip ties and rope until authorities arrived.
“We really banded together as a group,” she said. “A few gentlemen surrounded him and got him on his knees. It was a true team effort.”
Video Footage
FOX LA obtained exclusive footage of the confrontation early Friday morning, showing the moment the neighbors intervened to stop the suspect, who was wielding what appeared to be a flamethrower.
NEW: @FOXLA has exclusively obtained video of a man carrying a blow torch in Woodland Hills, CA Thursday not far from the Kenneth Fire. LAPD says the man is in custody but “can’t confirm any connection to any fire by this suspect”. #CaliforniaWildfires #KennethFire pic.twitter.com/ULwxtnfsdj
— Matthew Seedorff (@MattSeedorff) January 10, 2025
Suspected Intentions
Witnesses described the suspect as determined, with one telling FOX LA: “He was very focused, saying, ‘I can’t stop. I’m not putting this down. I’m doing this.’”
“We told him, ‘You can’t be doing that right now,’” the witness added.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are investigating whether the man is connected to the Kenneth Fire, though no direct link has been confirmed. A police source told FOX 11 that his potential involvement is under review.
As Southern California battles multiple wildfires, this incident highlights the vital role of vigilant communities in preventing further devastation.