Community Members Detain Suspect As Kenneth Fire Devastates Los Angeles

A homeless man in his 30s has been arrested in connection with the Kenneth Fire, which erupted Thursday afternoon in Los Angeles’ West Hills. The fire has already burned more than 800 acres as authorities investigate the blaze as a potential act of arson.

The fire started around 2:30 p.m. near Victory Trailhead. Soon after, residents in the Woodland Hills neighborhood noticed a man allegedly attempting to start fires using a blowtorch. Witnesses reported that the man was riding a bicycle and carrying what looked like a propane tank or a flamethrower. LAPD Senior Lead Officer Sean Dinse confirmed that local citizens quickly intervened and restrained the suspect until police arrived.

Renata Grinshpun, a Woodland Hills resident, described how neighbors joined forces to stop the man. “A few gentlemen surrounded him and got him on his knees. They got some zip ties, a rope, and we were able to do a citizens’ arrest,” she said. Another witness claimed the suspect was determined to continue his actions, reportedly saying, “I can’t stop. I’m not putting this down. I’m doing this.”

The man was taken into custody on Ybarra Road and transported to the LAPD Topanga Station. Officials have not yet announced formal charges, but the investigation remains active. The area near Victory Trailhead is now a secured crime scene as authorities search for answers.

The Kenneth Fire is one of several wildfires ravaging Los Angeles County. In total, five major fires have scorched nearly 30,000 acres, destroying thousands of homes and forcing 130,000 residents to evacuate. The Palisades Fire alone has burned nearly 20,000 acres and destroyed more than 5,000 structures.

Amid the chaos, reports of looting have added to the crisis. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that at least 20 people have been arrested for stealing from evacuated homes and businesses.

As firefighters work to contain the flames, officials continue to investigate the causes behind these devastating fires and determine whether more arrests will be made.

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