Photo by AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images
The Los Angeles Police Department has apprehended an arson suspect they believed allegedly sparked the Kenneth Fire. KTLA reports that the Los Angeles police responded to claims of an individual trying to light a fire in the Woodland Hills, California area on Thursday, Jan. 9.
Per KTLA, the Kenneth Fire started around 2:30 p.m. in dry brush within the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space, just north of the 101 Freeway. By 9 p.m., the fire spread to 1,000 acres, with firefighters containing 35% of it.
According to The Hill, LAPD Senior Lead Officer Charles Dinse stated that investigators are treating the incident as a crime. Dinse also mentioned that investigators have not determined the individual’s motive for starting the fire, which has already burned 900 miles in the Golden State. Additionally, Dinse noted that the fire is a possible “case of arson.”
Authorities are actively conducting an arson investigation but have not shared additional details about the suspect. Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman told NewsNation in an interview, per The Hill, that the act could lead to a homicide charge, potentially carrying a life sentence.
Justice will be swift. It will be firm, and the maximum punishment will be sought,” Hochman said.
Furthermore, Hochman emphasized their commitment to delivering justice for the crime and their determination to send a clear warning through their actions.
Our goal is to send this warning. Whether its looting, these internet scams, robbery or future arsons. We want to bring justice, and we will,” Hochman explained.
Social media users reacted to news about the Kenneth Fire arson suspect in The Shade Room’s comment section. Check out some of their reactions below.
Instagram user @xoxonaee wrote, “Disgusting behavior. I just dont understand.”
Instagram user @iam_urdivabree wrote, “Man this is disturbing. Ppl put in so much into their homes.”
While Instagram user @jaylittlelisa wrote, “You know how sick you have to be to set fires during a natural disaster? What the hell is wrong with yall??!”
Then Instagram user @frentas313 wrote, “The fact we are in 2025 and we still havent created something to put these fires out instantly is insane.”
Another Instagram user @yummyr1ss wrote, “Yeah, because why do we have so many fires going on? Somebody is setting some of these fires.”
Instagram user @im.shuntelrenay wrote, “I mean there are legit videos out here of people being recorded starting fires Smdh.”
While another Instagram user @____writerinink wrote, “Duuuhhhh..no way pallisades skipped and hopped all the way to Hollywood hills.”
Finally, Instagram user @ana_j92 wrote, “They going to blame the wrong person for this and I bet he aint in it on his own.”
