Arson Suspect Arrested as Fire Crews Battle Kenneth Fire in Los Angeles

On Thursday, January 9, 2025, Los Angeles police apprehended an arson suspect near the Kenneth Fire area as crews worked tirelessly to control wildfires threatening homes in Calabasas and West Hills.

Key Details of the Arrest

• Incident Overview: Around 4:30 p.m., police responded to reports of a man attempting to start a fire in the 21700 block of Ybarra Road, Woodland Hills.
• Citizen Action: Local residents spotted the suspect and intervened. According to witness Renata Grinshpun, neighbors confronted the man after seeing him allegedly attempt to ignite an object behind a vehicle using what appeared to be a propane tank or flamethrower.
• Citizen’s Arrest: The neighbors banded together, restraining the man using zip ties and rope until law enforcement arrived.
• Police Statement: LAPD’s Topanga Division officer Sean Dinse confirmed the incident is being investigated as a potential case of arson but declined to release the suspect’s identity.

Kenneth Fire Details

• Start and Spread: The Kenneth Fire was reported at 2:30 p.m. in the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space, north of the 101 Freeway. By 9 p.m., the fire had expanded to 1,000 acres with 35% containment.
• Response Efforts: Aerial footage captured helicopters dropping flame retardants and fixed-wing aircraft delivering water to safeguard homes. Ground crews worked to create firebreaks and control the flames.

Community in Action

Witnesses described the arrest as a collaborative effort. Grinshpun, a Woodland Hills resident, said:

“We really banded together as a group. A few gentlemen surrounded him, got him on his knees, and detained him until police arrived.”

The suspect’s connection to the Kenneth Fire remains under investigation.

Broader Wildfire Context

• Multiple Fires: Crews in Southern California are simultaneously battling other major fires, including:
  • The Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades and Malibu
  • The Eaton Fire in Altadena and Pasadena
• Impact: Thousands of residents remain evacuated, with significant damage reported in affected areas.

What’s Next?

The Kenneth Fire continues to burn, and arson investigations are underway. Officials urge residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity as crews work to contain the blazes threatening Southern California.