Someone has been arrested in connection with one of the fires that is ravaging Los Angeles
Several wildfires have ravaged California, including parts of Los Angeles, and one man has been arrested in connection with one of the fires.
The largest fires include the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire, alongside three others named Kenneth, Hurst, and Lidia.
At least 10 people have died as a result of the ongoing wildfires, according to the county coroner’s office, while thousands have been forced to evacuate their homes, many of which have been destroyed.
The Kenneth Fire, the most recent blaze, is suspected to have been started intentionally. The LAPD believes this, and a man was arrested on January 9.
According to FOX, a suspect was detained in connection with the investigation. Local residents reported seeing a man on a bike carrying a large blowtorch, attempting to set fire to bins and old Christmas trees. A group of residents apprehended the man and held him until police arrived to make the arrest.
Officials have reported that at least 10,000 buildings have been destroyed by the wildfires this week. Although firefighters have made progress in containing some of the blazes around Los Angeles, the strong winds that have rapidly spread the flames remain a serious threat. LA Mayor Karen Bass warned, “We are expecting this fire to rapidly spread due to high winds.”
The Kenneth Fire is believed to have started in the San Fernando Valley, near the West Hills neighborhood and close to Ventura County, northwest of LA. The fire burned less than two miles from a school where people were sheltering from the Palisades Fire.
Located to the north of the Palisades Fire, which has devastated several neighborhoods—including areas home to celebrities—the Kenneth Fire continues to pose a significant threat.
With many people forced to evacuate their homes, much has been left behind. As strong winds spread the fire rapidly around LA, some roads became gridlocked with cars filled with evacuees trying to follow orders. However, many motorists were eventually forced to abandon their vehicles and continue their escape on foot.
Emergency services had to deploy bulldozers to clear the roads, enabling them to pass through. In addition, off-duty firefighters were called in to assist with battling the flames.
