Authorities have taken a homeless man into custody in connection with the Kenneth Fire, which erupted Thursday afternoon in Los Angeles’ West Hills. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has launched an arson investigation into the blaze that has already scorched over 800 acres and continues to spread into Ventura County.

NEW: Joe Rogan and Mel Gibson blast California Governor Gavin Newsom for failing to prepare Los Angeles for the devastating wildfires.

"They spent $24 billion last year on the homeless, and what did they spend on preventing these wildfires?"

"In 2019, Newsom said he would take… pic.twitter.com/xJaQeDVMIA

— KanekoaTheGreat (@KanekoaTheGreat) January 9, 2025

The fire began around 2:30 p.m. near Victory Trailhead. Just 20 to 30 minutes later, vigilant Woodland Hills residents detained a man they claimed was seen attempting to ignite fires with a blowtorch. LAPD Senior Lead Officer Sean Dinse confirmed that citizens subdued the suspect before police arrived. Witnesses say the man was carrying what appeared to be a large propane tank or flamethrower and showed no intention of stopping.

Community member Renata Grinshpun described how locals quickly banded together to stop the suspect. “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 told local media.

Authorities have identified the suspect as a homeless man in his 30s but have not released further details or confirmed formal charges. LAPD has emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and the area near Victory Trailhead remains an active crime scene.

Good morning everyone,37F cloudy, expected today in FSJ

Let’s begin the day with a suspected Arsonist has been arrested in California ! So the Climate Change Bedwetters can stfu now.

Have a great day, everyone 🌞🇨🇦🇺🇸https://t.co/a4sjOmPF0p

— Rob Logan (@Northerngold01) January 10, 2025

The Kenneth Fire is one of five major fires ravaging Los Angeles County. Collectively, these blazes have burned nearly 30,000 acres, destroyed thousands of homes, and forced around 130,000 Californians to evacuate. The Palisades Fire alone has consumed nearly 20,000 acres and more than 5,000 structures.

Frustration is mounting as reports of looting have emerged. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that at least 20 people have been arrested for looting homes damaged or destroyed by the fires.

As exhausted firefighters continue to battle the spreading flames, officials are working to determine the full scope of the damage and whether more arrests will follow in connection to the devastating wildfires.